In situ elemental mapping by x‐ray fluorescence in tomato tissues

Abstract In situ elemental distributions and shifts were determined in basipetal root and stem tissues of tomato by x‐ray fluorescence. Some significant elemental distributions and shifts occurred in the tissues and organs. Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Sr concentrated in the root and Br in the stem. Cortical tissues concentrated Fe, whereas vascular tissues concentrated Cu and Zn. Most of the Cl, Br, and Sr concentrated in the phloem—Br in the stem phloem, Sr in the root phloem, and Cl evenly distributed in the phloem of both organs. A positive Rb‐Sr association was unique for cortical tissue of both organs, and a positive Ca‐Sr association was characteristic of the xylem of both organs. Mutual elemental associations characterized transport and distribution of the elements in the tissues.