Ergothioneine Dynamics in Agricultural Systems: The Role of Farming Systems, Tillage, and Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Ergothioneine (ERGO), a sulfur-containing antioxidant biosynthesized by fungi and certain bacteria, has garnered increasing attention for its potential health benefits and role in mitigating oxidative stress. While its significance in human health is well-documented, the agricultural context of ERGO, particularly its biosynthesis in soils and uptake by plants, remains underexplored. This study investigates the interactions between farming systems, tillage practices, soil microbial communities, and oxidative stress exposure index in shaping ERGO availability and uptake efficiency. Utilizing data from the long-term Farming Systems Trial (FST) at Rodale Institute, USA, this research evaluates ERGO dynamics across conventional and organic grain farming systems under full tillage (FT) and reduced tillage (RT) practices. Results indicate that corn exhibited the highest grain ERGO concentrations, with conventional systems and RT practices showing enhanced uptake efficiency. Residual soil ERGO was significantly higher in organic systems, highlighting the impact of organic amendments and influence of microbial activity. Uptake efficiency correlated with the oxidative stress exposure index (OSEI), which was elevated in conventional RT systems due to higher herbicide application. These findings suggest that ERGO may play a role in mitigating herbicide-induced oxidative stress in plants, potentially functioning as an endogenous antioxidant. This study provides novel insights into the interplay of agricultural practices, oxidative stress, and tillage in ERGO dynamics, offering a foundation for future research on its role in plant resilience and food nutritional quality.

Keywords: ergothioneine, Farming Systems Trial, tillage, herbicides, Organic farming, Oxidative stress