As our climate changes and soil salinity increases in many agricultural areas, finding crops that can thrive in these challenging conditions is crucial. Cultivated tomatoes, while delicious, often struggle in salty soils. Their wild cousins, however, have evolved to survive in diverse and often harsh environments.
A recent study delved into the genetic treasure trove of wild tomatoes to uncover secrets of salt tolerance that could be used to develop resilient crop varieties. A team of researchers focused on Solanum pimpinellifolium, the closest wild relative of our beloved cultivated tomato. These tiny, cherry-sized fruits might not look impressive, but they pack a punch when it comes to genetic diversity and stress resistance.
The team began by exposing the wild tomatoes to varying levels of salt stress. Then, they used high-throughput phenotyping techniques in both greenhouse and field conditions to uncover extensive variations in how these plants responded to the salty conditions.
"One of the study's most intriguing findings was that a plant's overall vigor—its ability to grow quickly and robustly—played a significant role in its salt tolerance. This suggests that breeding healthier, more vigorous plants could indirectly improve their ability to withstand salt stress," said Magda Julkowska, an assistant professor at the Boyce Thompson Institute and lead author of the study, which was recently published in The Plant Journal.
Read more at phys.org