Genetic Improvement of Blight Resistance in Tomato Plants
Summary
Tomato blights, notably late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans and early blight caused by Alternaria species, pose persistent threats to global tomato production. Genetic improvement has focused on identifying and deploying resistance loci from wild relatives, elucidating defence pathways and developing molecular tools for precision breeding. The integration of genomic resources with phenotypic screening has enabled the cloning of key resistance genes, characterisation of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and discovery of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers that accelerate marker-assisted selection. Advances in transcriptome profiling and functional genomics have revealed candidate genes, such as nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) proteins and transcription factors, that underpin robust defence mechanisms. Together, these strategies underpin sustainable breeding programmes aimed at stabilising yield and reducing reliance on chemical control.
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Genetic Improvement of Blight Resistance in Tomato Plants publication trend
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Technical terms
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): A DNA sequence variation at a single base position among individuals.
Quantitative trait locus (QTL): A genomic region that contributes to variation in a complex trait such as disease resistance.
Nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR): A class of plant immune receptors recognising pathogen effectors.
Marker-assisted selection (MAS): The use of molecular markers linked to desired traits to guide breeding decisions.
Transcriptome sequencing: High-throughput analysis of all RNA transcripts to reveal gene expression dynamics.
References
- Transcriptome-Assisted SNP Marker Discovery for Phytophthora infestans Resistance in Solanum lycopersicum L.. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Molecular mapping of quantitative trait loci for resistance to early blight in tomatoes. Frontiers in Plant Science (2023).
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