Investigating the genetic diversity of several varieties of Iranian tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers

Background:Numerous studies have demonstrated the existence of approximately 7,500 genetic tomato varieties worldwide.Hence,it is crucial to assess the genetic diversity among tomato cultivars.This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of selected Iranian tomato cultivars(Solanum lycopersicum)using RAPD and ISSR molecular markers.Method:Ten RAPD primers and ten ISSR primers were employed to assess the genetic diversity among 10 tomato cultivars:Matin,RFT 112,Hirad,Golsar,Raha,Hengam,Hedah,Fasa,JS12,and Emerald.Data analysis involved the UPGMA algorithm and NTYSYSpc software.Results:RAPD analysis revealed close genetic proximity between Fasa and JS12,as well as between Raha and Hadieh.Conversely,the RFT 112,Hengam,Hirad,and Emerald cultivars exhibited significant genetic diversity within this group.ISSR primer analysis identified Hengam as the most diverse variety,while Matin,Emerald,and Vibrid,as well as Raha and JS12,displayed genetic similarities with minimal observed diversity.Furthermore,the overall analysis of the cultivars using RAPD and ISSR markers indicated that Hengam exhibited the highest diversity among all the varieties.Notably,Raha and JS12 demonstrated limited diversity in this analysis.Conclusion:This research demonstrates substantial genetic diversity among the investigated tomato varieties,with Hengam displaying the highest diversity within this group.Furthermore,ISSR markers proved more effective in determining genetic diversity in tomato plants.

Assessment of genetic variation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) inbred lines using SSR molecular markers

A study was conducted to determine the genetic diversity of 39 determinate and indeterminate tomato inbred lines collected from China, Japan, S. Korea, and USA. Using 35 SSR polymorphic markers, a total of 150 alleles were found with moderate levels of diversity, and a high number of unique alleles existing in these tomato lines. The mean number of alleles per locus was 4.3 and the average polymorphism information content （PIC） was 0.31. Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean （UPGMA） clustering at genetic similarity value of 0.85 grouped the inbred lines into four groups, where one USA cultivar formed a separate and more distant cluster. The most similar inbred lines are from USA, both with determinate type, whereas the most different lines are from USA （Us-16） and Japan （Ja-2） with determinate and indeterminate growth habit, respectively. Clustering was consistent with the known information regarding geographical location and growth habit. The genetic distance information reported in this study might be used by breeders when planning future crosses among these inbred lines.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>) Germplasm Developed by Texas A&M Breeding Programs

Genetic variation developed in plant breeding programs is fundamental to creating new combinations that result in cultivars with enhanced characteristics. Over the years, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) breeding programs associated with the Texas A&M University system have developed morphologically diverse lines of tomatoes selected for heat tolerance, fruit quality, and disease resistance to adapt them to Texas growing conditions. Here we explored the intraspecific genetic variations of 322 cultivated tomato genotypes, including 300 breeding lines developed by three Texas A&M breeding programs, as an initial step toward implementing molecular breeding approaches. Genotyping by sequencing using low coverage whole-genome sequencing (SkimGBS) identified 10,236 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were used to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogenetic relationship between genotypes and breeding programs. Model-based population structure analysis, phylogenetic tree construction, and principal component analysis indicated that the genotypes were grouped into two main clusters. Genetic distance analysis revealed greater genetic diversity? among the products of the three breeding programs. The germplasm developed at Texas A&M programs at Weslaco, College Station, and by Dr. Paul Leeper exhibited genetic diversity ranges of 0.175 - 0.434, 0.099 - 0.392, and 0.183 - 0.347, respectively, suggesting that there is enough variation within and between the lines from the three programs to perform selection for cultivar development. The SNPs identified here could be used to develop molecular tools for selecting various traits of interest and to select parents for future tomato breeding.

Effects of Solanum lycopersicum Rootstock Grafting on Tomato Resistance and Quality

[Objectives] This experiment was carried out to explore the effects of Solanum lycopersicum rootstock grafting on tomato resistance and quality. [Methods] 6 different S. lycopersicum rootstocks were used to graft ＇Guihong 2＇ tomato. The grafting affinity was better and the resistance to bacterial wilt was higher. [Results] S. lycopersicum rootstock grafting may reduce the tomato, but it can improve the taste and endogenous quality of tomato. Besides, soluble solids, soluble sugars, Vc content, and sugar-acid ratio were all significantly higher than that of the control group. [Conclusions] S. lycopersicum rootstock y11, 53, and 177 grafting can increase Vc, soluble solids, and sugar-acid ratio of tomato fruit, so they are optimal rootstocks for tomato grafting.

Effect of Grafting on Growth and Shelf Life of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Grafted on Two Local Solanum Species

The Rio Grande variety of tomato is widely grown because of its high productivity during the cold and dry seasons, and its resistance to Verticillium wilt (caused by Fusarium oxysporium) and to stem canker (Alternaria). Grafting tomato onto compatible rootstocks resistant to these diseases offers a better potential to overcome soil-borne diseases, abiotic stresses, improve growth, yield and fruit quality. However, in Cameroon, there is little or no information on grafting between Rio Grande tomato and selected eggplant rootstocks. The objectives of this study were: 1) To determine the compatibility between Rio tomato grafting and a popular local eggplant (Nkeya) rootstock;2) To verify the effect of grafting on flowering time;3) To evaluate the effect of eggplant rootstocks on growth, fruit shelf life and fruit quality of Rio tomatoes. The trial was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Rio Grande (To) was the ungrafted treatment used as a control. To/Ko, To/To and To/Nk were the grafted treatments eventually transplanted to the field. Growth data were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS software. Descriptive analyses were performed for the other parameters. The results revealed that, 1) The cleft grafting method used was successful with success rate varying between 90 and 100%;2) Grafting influenced flowering date (DAT, p = 0.05) as well as tomato growth parameters including stem height (H, 1.49 × 10-10 p 0.00014) and collar diameter (SD, 4 × 10-14 p 0.009). The To/To treatment was significantly different from the ungrafted cultivar To, which had no significant difference in stem diameter. A significant difference in plant height was also observed between the ungrafted treatment To and the To/Ko and To/Nk treatments. In addition, only the collar diameter of To/Nk was different from To. Also, there was no significant difference between To/To and To, but a significant difference between To/Ko and To/Nk compared to To. Conversely, grafting improved the lifespan of To/Ko. Ultimately, the grafting method used was successful, but further studies are needed to overcome the problem of graft incompatibility in order to improve the agronomic performance of grafted plants.

SlTPP4 participates in ABA-mediated salt tolerance by enhancing root architecture in tomato

Salinity tolerance is an important physiological index for crop breeding.Roots are typically the first plant tissue to withstand salt stress.In this study,we found that the tomato(Solanum lycopersicum)trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase(SlTPP4)gene is induced by abscisic acid(ABA)and salt,and is mainly expressed in roots.Overexpression of SlTPP4 in tomato enhanced tolerance to salt stress,resulting in better growth performance.Under saline conditions,SlTPP4 overexpression plants demonstrated enhanced sucrose metabolism,as well as increased expression of genes related to salt tolerance.At the same time,expression of genes related to ABA biosynthesis and signal transduction was enhanced or altered,respectively.In-depth exploration demonstrated that SlTPP4 enhances Casparian band development in roots to restrict the intake of Na^(+).Our study thus clarifies the mechanism of SlTPP4-mediated salt tolerance,which will be of great importance for the breeding of salt-tolerant tomato crops.

Grafting effects on bioactive compounds,chemical and agronomic traits of‘Corbarino’tomato grown under greenhouse healthy conditions

In tomatoes,grafting onto resistant rootstocks represents an effective strategy to control several soil-borne diseases that reduce crop profitability,especially for landraceswith little or no resistance tomultiple pathogens/pests.In this study,the high-value‘Corbarino’tomato landrace was grafted onto seven commercial Solanum interspecific rootstocks to evaluate graft compatibility,yield performance,and qualitative characteristics under greenhouse healthy conditions.Three rootstocks were themost effective in improving fruit yield without negatively affecting the carpometric,technological,and health-related traits of the traditional tomato.‘Dinafort’rootstock increased fresh and dry yield,harvest index,and fruit/clusters,while mean fruit weight,shape index,total and soluble solid content,simple sugars,organic acids,flavonoids,ascorbic acid,and trans-lycopene content did not differ with respect to the ungrafted‘Corbarino’.‘Interpro’rootstock also showed promising results for the overall yield and quality traits,although it reduced the trans-lycopene content in the fruit.‘Silex’rootstock showed the highest harvest index as result of decreased vigour.The fruit quality induced by‘Silex’was satisfactory and high levels of simple sugars,flavonoids,ascorbic acid,and trans-lycopene were also observed.However,graft success,especially for‘Dinafort’and‘Silex’,needs to be improved by investigating more suitable methods for seedling production,grafting,acclimatization,etc.

番茄SlERF-H6基因VIGS沉默载体构建

番茄(Solanum lycopersicum)具有较高的营养价值,深受消费者的喜爱,目前番茄已经成为广泛种植的经济作物之一。乙烯响应因子(ethylene response factor,ERF)是一类植物特有的转录因子。ERF在植物形态发生、逆境响应、成熟衰老、激素信号转导和代谢物调节等多种生理过程中起重要的调节作用。文章以番茄的SlERF-H6(LOC101259323)基因为研究对象,通过对SlERF-H6的基因序列进行分析,获得该基因的特异性区域沉默序列。利用同源重组技术成功构建了番茄SlERF-H6病毒诱导的基因沉默(virus-induced gene silencing,VIGS)载体。为进一步探究番茄SlERF-H6基因在果实成熟中的作用提供参考。

Transcriptional search to identify and assess reference genes for expression analysis in Solanum lycopersicum under stress and hormone treatment conditions

Tomato(Solanum lycopersicum)is a model plant for research on fruit development and stress response,in which gene expression analysis is frequently conducted.Quantitative PCR(qPCR)is a widely used technique for gene expression analysis,and the selection of reference genes may affect the accuracy of results and even conclusions.Although there have been some frequently used reference genes in tomato,it has been shown that the expressions of some of these genes are not constant in different tissues and environmental conditions.Moreover,little information on genomic identification of reference genes is available in tomato.Here,we mined the publicly available transcriptional sequencing data and screened out fifteen candidate reference genes,and the expression stability of these candidate genes and seven traditionally used ones were evaluated under stress and hormone treatment.The results showed that over half of the selected candidate references were housekeeping genes in tomato cells.Among the candidate reference genes and the traditionally used ones,the most stably expressed genes varied under different treatments,and most of these genes were recommended as preferred reference genes at least once except Solyc04g009030 and Solyc07g066610,two traditionally used reference genes.This study provides some novel reference genes in tomato,and the preferred reference genes under different environmental stimuli,which may be useful for future research.Our study suggests that excavating stably expressed genes from transcriptome sequencing data is a reliable approach to screening reference genes for qPCR analysis.

Difference in volatile profile between pericarp tissue and locular gel in tomato fruit

Aroma, a complex mixture of volatile compounds, plays an important role in the perception and acceptability of tomato products by consumers. Numerous studies have reported volatile profiles in tomatoes based on measurement of the whole fruit or pericarp tissue, however, little is understood regarding the volatile compositions in the inner tissues. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in volatile profile between pericarp tissue and Iocular gel in tomato fruit. Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis, totally 42 volatile compounds were detected in FL 47 and Tasti-Lee tomato fruits. Regardless of cultivars, a substantial higher concentration of total volatile compounds was observed in pericarp than that in/ocular gel, associated with higher levels of aldehydes, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen compounds. Pericarp tissue possessed higher levels of cis-3-hexenal, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, cymene, terpinolene, undecane, dodecane, 2-phenylethanol, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, 2-methylbutyl acetate, 1-nitro-pentane, and 1-nitro-2-phenylethane, while the abundances of 2-methylpropanal, butanal, 2-methylbutanal, 2-methyl-2-butenal, 2-methylpropanol, 3-methylbutanol, 2-methylbutanol, and 2-butanone were higher in Iocular gel. Principal component analysis （PCA） and cluster analysis using GC-MS and electronic nose （E-nose） data discriminated the two tissues.

Effects of Nitrogen Forms on Carbon and Nitrogen Accumulation in Tomato Seedling

Utilization of organic nitrogen （N） is an important aspect of plant N assimilation and has potential application in sustainable agriculture. The aim of this study was to investigate the plant growth, C and N accumulation in leaves and roots of tomato seedlings in response to inorganic （NH4^＋-N, NO3^-N） and organic nitrogen （Gly-N）. Different forms of nitrogen （NH4^＋-N, NO3^--N, Gly-N） were supplied to two tomato cultivars （Shenfen 918 and Huying 932） using a hydroponics system. The plant dry biomass, chlorophyll content, root activity, total carbon and nitrogen content in roots and leaves, and total N absorption, etc. were assayed during the cultivation. Our results showed that no significant differences in plant height, dry biomass, and total N content were found within the first 16 d among three treatments; however, significant differences in treatments on 24 d and 32 d were observed, and the order was NO3^--N 〉 Gly-N 〉 NH4^＋-N. Significant differences were also observed between the two tomato cultivars. Chlorophyll contents in the two cultivars were significantly increased by the Gly-N treatment, and root activity showed a significant decrease in NHa^＋-N treatment. Tomato leaf total carbon content was slightly affected by different N forms; however, total carbon in root and total nitrogen in root and leaf were promoted significantly by inorganic and organic N. Among the applied N forms, the increasing effects of the NH4^＋-N treatment were larger than that of the Gly-N. In a word, different N resources resulted in different physiological effects in tomatoes. Organic nitrogen （e.g., Gly-N） can be a proper resource of plant N nutrition. Tomatoes of different genotypes had different responses under organic nitrogen （e.g., Gly-N） supplies.

Transcriptomic insights into growth promotion effect of Trichoderma afroharzianum TM2-4 microbial agent on tomato plants

Plant growth promoting fungi are receiving increased attention as valuable beneficial microorganisms in crop cultivation due to their capacity to produce bioactive substances,promote plant growth and enhance immune defense functions.In this study,a novel Trichoderma isolate,designated as TM2-4,was screened from healthy tomato rhizosphere soil and identified as Trichoderma afroharzianum.Culture filtrate of the isolate TM2-4 displayed obvious bioactive substance production and an evident effect in promoting tomato seed germination,with hypocotyl length,radical length and vigor index increased by 28.7,19.4 and 62.1%,respectively,after a 100-fold dilution treatment.To assess the promotion effect and related mechanism of isolate TM2-4,the plant biological indexes and gene expression profiles of tomato plants treated with or without T.afroharzianum TM2-4 microbial agent were investigated by greenhouse pot experiment and RNA sequencing.The results demonstrated that T.afroharzianum TM2-4 significantly promoted tomato plant growth in terms of plant height,dry weight,number of leaves per plant and root activity,through efficient colonization in the rhizosphere and root system of the plants.Transcriptome analyses identified a total of 984 differentially expressed genes in T.afroharzianum microbial agent inoculated tomato roots,which were mainly engaged in the biological process of phytohormone homeostasis,antioxidant activity,as well as metabolic pathways including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism.These findings provide useful information for understanding the mechanism of isolate TM2-4 for tomato plant growth promotion,which would facilitate further development of T.afroharzianum TM2-4 microbial agent for use in vegetable crop production.

Epiphytic and Endophytic Fungal Communities of Tomato Plants

Plants harbor diverse fungal communities both on their surfaces(epiphytic)and inside of plant tissues(endophytic),and these fungi play important roles in plant health and vigor.However,comparisons of epiphytes and endophytes have rarely been performed.In this study,the soil,epiphytic and endophytic fungal assemblages of greenhouse-grown tomato plants were extensively examined and compared by Illumina sequencing of 18S rRNA amplicons.The fungal communities differed in both size and composition.The soil communities were the richest and most abundant,while the endophytes showed the lowest richness and diversity.The diversity of endophytes also differed in different tissues,with the highest diversity occurring in the roots.In both the epiphytic and endophytic samples,the majority of fungi corresponded to ascomycetes,amongwhich Sordariomycetes,Dothideomycetes and Eurotiomyceteswere the most frequent classes.Themajor non-ascomycete fungi were associated only with the class Exobasidiomycetes(Basidiomycota).At the order level,the epiphytes showed similar distribution patterns in the stems and leaves,but among the endophytes,distinct fungal orders were enriched in different tissues.Capnodialeswas recorded as amajor fungal group in the stems,leaves and seeds,and Saccharomycetales was specifically enriched in the pericarp and jelly around seeds.The present data suggested that different drivers shaped epiphytic and endophytic fungi communities and deepened our knowledge of the complex plant-fungus interaction in tomato.

Molecular Markers for Tm-2 Alleles of Tomato Mosaic Virus Resistance in Tomato

Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) is one of the most infectious virus diseases in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L). The practical and effective method of controlling this disease is through genetic control by using major resistance genes. So far, three genes Tm-1, Tm-2 and Tm-22 conferring resistance to ToMV have been reported and utilized in tomato culti-var development. Marker assisted selection (MAS) has become very important and useful tool in selection of ToMV re-sistant tomato lines or hybrids. The objective of this research was to identify allele-specific PCR-based, cleaved ampli-fied polymorphic sequence (CAPS), and allele-derived single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for Tm-2 loci. Four allele-specific PCR-based markers were identified: one for Tm-2, one for Tm-22, and two for the susceptible allele tm-2. Three allele-derived CAPS markers were identified, which can identify and distinguish three alleles, tm-2, Tm-2 and Tm-22 in tomato germplasm. Three SNP markers were developed specific for Tm-2 locus. These markers will pro-vide breeders with a tool in selection of Tm-2 and Tm-22 resistance genes in tomato breeding program.

Tomato SlPti5 plays a regulative role in the plant immune response against Botrytis cinerea through modulation of ROS system and hormone pathways

While SlPti5 has been shown to play a crucial role in the regulation of antagonistic genes in Solanum lycopersicum and Arabidopsis against pathogen infection,there have been no comprehensive studies on the effects of SlPti5 on the regulatory response mechanism of reactive oxygen species(ROS) system and hormone pathways during growth and disease resistance of tomato plants.Here,we investigated the function of SlPti5 in the defense response of tomato against Botrytis cinerea utilizing a virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS)-based system.Expression profile analysis showed that SlPti5 was significantly induced upon B.cinerea infection,with high expression levels in the leaves and fruit of tomato.VIGS-based silencing of SlPti5 inhibited early vegetative growth,increased the plant’s susceptibility to infection,promoted the development of ROS,affected the expression of genes involved in the ROS scavenging system,and attenuated the expression of genes associated with pathogenesis and the ethylene/jasmonic acid signaling pathways.In sum,our data demonstrated that SlPti5 stimulates the immune response of tomato plant to Botrytis cinerea infection by involving the ethylene(ET)-and jasmonic acid(JA)-mediated pathways and modulating the expression of some key pathogenesis-related(PR) genes.

Microclimate modification using eco-friendly nets and floating row covers improves tomato (<i>Lycopersicon esculentum</i>) yield and quality for small holder farmers in East Africa

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the important vegetables in supplying vitamins, minerals and fiber to human diets worldwide. Its successful production in the tropics is, however, constrained by environmental variations especially under open field conditions. Two trials were conducted at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Kenya to evaluate the effects of agricultural nets (agronets) herein called eco-friendly nets (EFNs) and floating row covers (FRCs) on microclimate modification, yield, and quality of tomato. A randomized complete block design with five replications was used. Tomato plants were grown under fine mesh EFN (0.4-mm pore diameter) cover, large mesh EFN (0.9-mm pore diameter) cover or FRC. The EFN and FRC were maintained either permanently closed or opened thrice a week from 9 am to 3 pm. Two open control treatments were used: unsprayed (untreated control) or sprayed with chemicals (treated control). The use of EFN or FRC modified the microclimate with higher temperatures, lower diurnal temperature ranges, and higher volumetric water content recorded compared with the controls. On the other hand, light quantity and photosynthetic active radiation were reduced by the use of EFN and FRC compared with the controls. The use of FRC and EFN resulted in more fruit and higher percent in marketable yield compared with open field production. Fruit quality at harvest was also significantly improved by the use of EFN and FRC. Fruits with higher total soluble solids (TSS), lower titratable acidity (TA), and higher sugar acid ratio were obtained in EFN and FRC treatments compared with the controls. Fruits harvested from EFN and FRC were also firmer compared with control fruits. These findings demonstrate the potential of EFN and FRC in modifying microclimate conditions and improving yields and quality of tomato under tropical field conditions.

The Transfer of Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe between Soils and <i>Allium</i>Plants (Garlic and Onion), and Tomato in the Southwest of the Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Chemical extraction methods are generally used to evaluate trace element concentrations in soils. The adequacy of these soil tests is commonly assessed by comparing the extraction results with the metal contents in the plants. In this study, soil and leaf samples were collected in the southwest area of the Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Garlic (Allium sativum L.), onion (Allium cepa L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are species of great regional economic importance. These crops need good mineral nutrition for optimum growth and sustainable production. Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe micronutrient uptake by plants was analyzed together with the trace element contents in the soil in which those plants were grown. A single EDTA-extraction procedure was performed to determine soil micronutrients. The amount of extractable-trace elements increased as the concentration of the chelating agent EDTA increased. The range of total element content in soil was: 15.68-31.5 mg·kg-1 for Cu, 75.0-386.3 mg·kg-1 for Zn, 542.5 -1686 mg·kg-1 for Mn and 28,325-32,675 mg·kg-1 for Fe. Micronutrient contents in mature leaf tissue were determined by the acid digestion method. Total and available micronutrient content in soil as well as total content in leaves were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Total micronutrient content and the available extractable-fraction in soils were below the critical values for plant growth. This was in agreement with the amount of micronutrients present in the leaf tissue. A strong relationship between the extraction data and the soil-plant transfer coefficients suggested an appropriate exchange of trace elements from soils to garlic, onion and tomato plants.

Influence of Seedling Age on the Susceptibility of Tomato Plants to <i>Ralstonia solanacearum</i>during Protray Screening and at Transplanting

The study was undertaken to assess whether seedling age played any role in governing the vulnerability of tomato to the bacterial wilt pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum, based on the preliminary observations that the extent of mortality during seedling-stage screening was relatively less in older seedlings. Employing the virulent strain ‘NH-Av01’ isolated from tomato, 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-week-old seedlings of susceptible ‘Arka Vikas’ raised in organic cocopeat in 98 cavity protrays were inoculated with the pathogen through root-injury inoculation approach. Disease symptoms appeared earlier and with more severity in 2-week-old seedlings followed by 3-, 4- and 5-week-old saplings recording 74%, 68%, 63% and 49% mortality, respectively, after four weeks of inoculation suggesting that older the seedlings, less the susceptibility to the pathogen. The growth characteristics of seedlings (shoot height, shoot and root weights) showed a significant increase with seedling age (0.21, 0.54, 1.14 and 2.09 g gross weight/seedling at 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks, respectively) indicating healthier saplings with delay in inoculation time. In subsequent trials, seedlings of 3, 4, 5 or 6 weeks were transplanted to field-sick soil in protrays or in pots with monitoring for 1 - 4 months which indicated a significant reduction in disease incidence and severity with increase in seedling age. The observations suggested that seedling age should be considered as a major factor influencing the susceptibility of tomato seedlings to R. solanacearum with the chances of variations in the extent of disease incidence or inconsistent results during seedling-stage screening and the possibility of escapes with older seedlings. Two-week seedlings formed the best when the aim is to induce maximum disease incidence, while transplanting at 5 - 6 weeks stage appeared the best when the objective is minimal disease incidence or formulating disease management strategies.

Comparative Proteomics Reveals Set of Oxidative Stress and Thaumatin-Like Proteins Associated with Resistance to Late Blight of Tomato

Proteomics techniques were used to study the molecular mechanisms involved in the defense of tomato against late blight (Phytophthora infestans). Proteins were extracted from resistant access BGH-2127 and susceptible cultivar “Santa Clara”. Leaves of the inoculated and non-inoculated (control) genotypes were collected at 0, 2, and 48 h after inoculation and analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), followed by identification with mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF-TOF). A total of 56 differentially abundant proteins were identified, of which 39 were resistant genotypes and 17 were susceptible. These proteins were categorized into functional groups of energy and metabolism, photosynthesis, stress and defense, transcription, other proteins, and as un-characterized ones. For access BGH-2127, oxidative stress proteins (2-cis peroxiedoxin BAS1 and 2-cis peroxiredoxin) and thaumatin-like protein showed increase in the relative abundance at 0 and 48 h of inoculation, respectively, and were therefore considered important for the defense mechanism of this genotype. The expression standards evaluated by real-time PCR differed from the results of the proteomic analysis. The protein-protein interaction networks provided important information on the cellular activities involved in the resistance of BGH-2127 late blight.

Relative Response of Four Tomato Species to <i>Rotylenchulus reniformis</i>Infestation

The reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) is among the most economically damaging plant pathogens in the United States. This nematode is mostly known for its damage to cotton but tomato is also well-within its vast host range that includes 314 plant species across 77 plant families. Nematode-resistant genotypes offer an effective, environmentally safe alternative to agro-chemicals for reniform nematode management. Resistance genes can be introgressed into cultivars through plant improvement efforts. Tomato is a diploid species which is more amenable to identification of resistance genes in contrast to cotton where cultivars are either tetraploid or hexaploid.This greenhouse study examined cultivated and wild Solanum species represented by 40 tomato accessions, to identify resistance and susceptibility responses to R. reniformis. Accessions were evaluated by using single plants in six replicates. Seeds were germinated in sterile soil and inoculated with mixed vermiform R. reniformis. After seven weeks, eggs and vermiform stages were extracted from the root system and counted. A susceptible control S. lycopersicum “Rutgers” (LA1090) was included. Seven putatively resistant tomato genotypes were identified. These genotypes in increasing order of resistance are S. chilense (LA1029), S. lycopersicum (LA1792), S. chilense (LA1932), S. peruvianum var. humifusum (LA0385) S. pimpinellifolium (LA2934), S. peruvianum f. glandulosum (LA1283) and S. pimpinellifolium (LA1579).