A new genetic linkage map of tomato based on a Solanum lycopersicum x S. pimpinellifolium RIL population displaying locations of candidate pathogen response genes

Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Bacterial Wilt Resistance and Plant Height in Tomatoes

Bacterial wilt (BW) of tomatoes, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is a devastating disease that results in large annual yield losses worldwide. Management of BW of tomatoes is difficult due to the soil-borne nature of the pathogen. One of the best ways to mitigate the losses is through breeding for disease resistance. Moreover, plant height (PH) is a crucial element related to plant architecture, which determines nutrient management and mechanical harvesting in tomatoes. An intraspecific F2 segregating population (NC 11212) of tomatoes was developed by crossing NC 84173 (tall, BW susceptible) × CLN1466EA (short, BW resistant). We performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping using single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers and the NC 11212 F2 segregating population. The QTL analysis for BW resistance revealed a total of three QTLs on chromosomes 1, 2, and 3, explaining phenotypic variation (R2) ranging from 3.6% to 14.9%, whereas the QTL analysis for PH also detected three QTLs on chromosomes 1, 8, and 11, explaining R2 ranging from 7.1% to 11%. This work thus provides information to improve BW resistance and plant architecture-related traits in tomatoes.

Leveraging Single-Cell Populations to Uncover the Genetic Basis of Complex Traits

The ease and throughput of single-cell genomics have steadily improved, and its current trajectory suggests that surveying single-cell populations will become routine. We discuss the merger of quantitative genetics with single-cell genomics and emphasize how this synergizes with advantages intrinsic to plants. Single-cell population genomics provides increased detection resolution when mapping variants that control molecular traits, including gene expression or chromatin accessibility. Additionally, single-cell population genomics reveals the cell types in which variants act and, when combined with organism-level phenotype measurements, unveils which cellular contexts impact higher-order traits. Emerging technologies, notably multiomics, can facilitate the measurement of both genetic changes and genomic traits in single cells, enabling single-cell genetic experiments. The implementation of single-cell genetics will advance the investigation of the genetic architecture of complex molecular traits and provide new experimental paradigms to study eukaryotic genetics.

QTL Mapping of Zeaxanthin Content in Sweet Corn Using Recombinant Inbred Line Population across Different Environments

Zeaxanthin is a naturally occurring xanthophyll carotenoid obtained from diet sources. Particularly, sweet corn is a major source of dietary zeaxanthin. To investigate the genetic basis of zeaxanthin content regulation in sweet corn, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population comprising 191 families was constructed using two inbred lines (K44 and F22) with contrasting zeaxanthin content in the grain. The zeaxanthin content in the dry grains of this population grown at different locations was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Subsequently, 175 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to construct a linkage map with a total length of 4322.37 cM and with an average distance of 24.4 cM. A total of eight QTLs located on chromosomes 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10 were detected. The QTLs located in umc1632-umc1401 on chromosome 7 were detected in different environments and explained 11.28-20.25% of the phenotypic variation, implying it is the main QTL controlling zeaxanthin content in the dry grains of sweet corn. Collectively, the present study provides a genetic map and theoretical guidance for the cultivation of sweet corn varieties with a high zeaxanthin content.

Physiological genetic variation in tomato fruit chilling tolerance during postharvest storage

Storage at low temperatures is a common practice to prolong postharvest life of fruit and vegetables with a minimal negative impact on human/environmental health. Storage at low temperatures, however, can be restricted due to produce susceptibility to non-freezing chilling temperatures, when injuries such as physiological disorders and decays may result in unmarketable produce. We have investigated tomato fruit response to postharvest chilling stress in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population developed from a cross between a chilling-sensitive cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) breeding line and a chilling-tolerant inbred accession of the tomato wild species S. pimpinellifolium L. Screening of the fruit of 148 RILs under cold storage (1.5°C) indicated presence of significant variations in chilling tolerance, manifested by varying degrees of fruit injury. Two extremely contrasting groups of RILs were identified, chilling-tolerant and chilling-sensitive RILs. The RILs in the two groups were further investigated under chilling stress conditions, and several physiological parameters, including weight loss, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters Fv/Fm, and Performance Index (PI), were determined to be efficient markers for identifying response to chilling stress in postharvest fruit. The Fv/Fm values reflected the physiological damages endured by the fruit after cold storage, and PI was a sensitive marker for early changes in photosystem II function. These two parameters were early indicators of chilling response before occurrence of visible chilling injuries. Antioxidant activities and ascorbic acid content were significantly higher in the chilling-tolerant than the chilling-sensitive lines. Further, the expression of C-repeat/DREB binding factors (CBFs) genes swiftly changed within 1-hr of fruit exposure to the chilling temperature, and the SlCBF1 transcript level was generally higher in the chilling-tolerant than chilling-sensitive lines after 2-hr exposure to the low temperature. This research demonstrates the presence of potential genetic variation in fruit chilling tolerance in the tomato RIL population. Further investigation of the RIL population is underway to better understand the genetic, physiological, and biochemical mechanisms involved in postharvest fruit chilling tolerance in tomato.

Genome-Wide Association Study and Genomic Prediction for Bacterial Wilt Resistance in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Core Collection

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the major legume crops cultivated worldwide. Bacterial wilt (BW) of common bean (Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens), being a seed-borne disease, has been a challenge in common bean producing regions. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify SNP markers associated with BW resistance in the USDA common bean core collection. A total of 168 accessions were evaluated for resistance against three different isolates of BW. Our study identified a total of 14 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with the resistance to BW isolates 528, 557, and 597 using mixed linear models (MLMs) in BLINK, FarmCPU, GAPIT, and TASSEL 5. These SNPs were located on chromosomes Phaseolus vulgaris [Pv]02, Pv04, Pv08, and Pv09 for isolate 528; Pv07, Pv10, and Pv11 for isolate 557; and Pv04, Pv08, and Pv10 for isolate 597. The genomic prediction accuracy was assessed by utilizing seven GP models with 1) all the 4,568 SNPs and 2) the 14 SNP markers. The overall prediction accuracy (PA) ranged from 0.30 to 0.56 for resistance against the three BW isolates. A total of 14 candidate genes were discovered for BW resistance located on chromosomes Pv02, Pv04, Pv07, Pv08, and Pv09. This study revealed vital information for developing genetic resistance against the BW pathogen in common bean. Accordingly, the identified SNP markers and candidate genes can be utilized in common bean molecular breeding programs to develop novel resistant cultivars.

Genetic Control of Reproductive Traits under Different Temperature Regimes in Inbred Line Populations Derived from Crosses between S. pimpinellifolium and S. lycopersicum Accessions

In the present work, we study the genetic control of reproductive traits under different heat stress conditions in two populations of inbred lines derived from crosses between two S. pimpinellifolium accessions and two tomato cultivars (E9×L5 and E6203×LA1589). The temperature increase affected the reproductive traits, especially at extremely high temperatures, where only a few lines were able to set fruits. Even though a relative modest number of QTLs was identified, two clusters of QTLs involved in the responses of reproductive traits to heat stress were detected in both populations on chromosomes 1 and 2. Interestingly, several epistatic interactions were detected in the E9×L5 population, which were classified into three classes based on the allelic interaction: dominant (one locus suppressed the allelic effects of a second locus), co-adaptive (the double-homozygous alleles from the same parent alleles showed a higher phenotypic value than the combination of homozygous alleles from alternative parents) and transgressive (the combination of double-homozygous alleles from different parents showed better performance than double-homozygous alleles from the same parents). These results reinforce the important role of non-additive genetic variance in the response to heat stress and the potential of the new allelic combinations that arise after wide crosses.

Ralstonia solanacearum Type III Effector RipJ Triggers Bacterial Wilt Resistance in Solanum pimpinellifolium

Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt disease in solanaceous crops. Identification of avirulence type III-secreted effectors recognized by specific disease resistance proteins in host plant species is an important step toward developing durable resistance in crops. In the present study, we show that R. solanacearum effector RipJ functions as an avirulence determinant in Solanum pimpinellifolium LA2093. In all, 10 candidate avirulence effectors were shortlisted based on the effector repertoire comparison between avirulent Pe_9 and virulent Pe_1 strains. Infection assays with transgenic strain Pe_1 individually carrying a candidate avirulence effector from Pe_9 revealed that only RipJ elicits strong bacterial wilt resistance in S. pimpinellifolium LA2093. Furthermore, we identified that several RipJ natural variants do not induce bacterial wilt resistance in S. pimpinellifolium LA2093. RipJ belongs to the YopJ family of acetyltransferases. Our sequence analysis indicated the presence of partially conserved putative catalytic residues. Interestingly, the conserved amino acid residues in the acetyltransferase catalytic triad are not required for effector-triggered immunity. In addition, we show that RipJ does not autoacetylate its lysine residues. Our study reports the identification of the first R. solanacearum avirulence protein that triggers bacterial wilt resistance in tomato. We expect that our discovery of RipJ as an avirulence protein will accelerate the development of bacterial wilt-resistant tomato varieties in the future.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

Genome of Solanum pimpinellifolium provides insights into structural variants during tomato breeding

Solanum pimpinellifolium (SP) is the wild progenitor of cultivated tomato. Because of its remarkable stress tolerance and intense flavor, SP has been used as an important germplasm donor in modern tomato breeding. Here, we present a high-quality chromosome-scale genome sequence of SP LA2093. Genome comparison identifies more than 92,000 structural variants (SVs) between LA2093 and the modern cultivar, Heinz 1706. Genotyping these SVs in ~600 representative tomato accessions identifies alleles under selection during tomato domestication, improvement and modern breeding, and discovers numerous SVs overlapping genes known to regulate important breeding traits such as fruit weight and lycopene content. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis detects hotspots harboring master regulators controlling important fruit quality traits, including cuticular wax accumulation and flavonoid biosynthesis, and SVs contributing to these complex regulatory networks. The LA2093 genome sequence and the identified SVs provide rich resources for future research and biodiversity-based breeding.

Solanum pimpinellifolium (SP) is the progenitor of cultivated tomato and an important germplasm. Here, the authors assemble SP genome, identify structural variants (SVs) by comparing with modern cultivar, reveal SVs associated with important breeding traits, and detect SVs harboring master regulators of fruit quality traits.

Identification and Mapping of Late Blight Resistance Quantitative Trait Loci in Tomato Accession PI 163245

Late blight (LB), caused by the oomycete (Mont.) de Bary, is one of the most devastating diseases of tomato ( L.) and potato ( tuberosum L. worldwide. The importance of LB on tomato has increased due to the occurrence of aggressive and fungicide-resistant clonal lineages of . Consequently, identification and characterization of new sources of genetic resistance to LB has become a priority in tomato breeding. Previously, we reported accession PI 163245 as a promising source of highly heritable LB resistance for tomato breeding. The purpose of this study was to identify and map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with LB resistance in this accession using a trait-based marker analysis (a.k.a. selective genotyping). An F mapping population ( = 560) derived from a cross between a LB-susceptible tomato breeding line (Fla. 8059) and PI 163245 was screened for LB resistance, and the most resistant ( = 39) and susceptible ( = 35) individuals were selected for genotyping. Sequencing and comparison of the reduced representation libraries (RRLs) derived from genomic DNA of the two parents resulted in the identification of 33,541 putative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, of which, 233 genome-wide markers were used to genotype the 74 selected F individuals. The marker analysis resulted in the identification of four LB resistance QTLs conferred by PI 163245, located on chromosomes 2, 3, 10, and 11. Research is underway to develop near-isogenic lines (NILs) for fine mapping the QTLs and develop tomato breeding lines with LB resistance introduced from PI 163245.

HS-SPME-GC-MS Analyses of Volatiles in Plant Populations-Quantitating Compound × Individual Matrix Effects

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography⁻mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is widely employed for volatile analyses of plants, including mapping populations used in plant breeding research. Studies often employ a single internal surrogate standard, even when multiple analytes are measured, with the assumption that any relative changes in matrix effects among individuals would be similar for all compounds, i.e., matrix effects do not show Compound × Individual interactions. We tested this assumption using individuals from two plant populations: an interspecific grape (Vitis spp.) mapping population (n = 140) and a tomato (Solanum spp.) recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (n = 148). Individual plants from the two populations were spiked with a cocktail of internal standards (n = 6, 9, respectively) prior to HS-SPME-GC-MS. Variation in the relative responses of internal standards indicated that Compound × Individual interactions exist but were different between the two populations. For the grape population, relative responses among pairs of internal standards varied considerably among individuals, with a maximum of 249% relative standard deviation (RSD) for the pair of [U13C]hexanal and [U13C]hexanol. However, in the tomato population, relative responses of internal standard pairs varied much less, with pairwise RSDs ranging from 8% to 56%. The approach described in this paper could be used to evaluate the suitability of using surrogate standards for HS-SPME-GC-MS studies in other plant populations.

Low-coverage resequencing detects meiotic recombination pattern and features in tomato RILs

Traditional plant breeding relies on meiotic recombination for mixing of parental alleles to create novel allele combinations. Detailed analysis of recombination patterns in model organisms shows that recombination is tightly regulated within the genome, but frequencies vary extensively along chromosomes. Despite being a model organism for fruit developmental studies, high-resolution recombination patterns are lacking in tomato. In this study, we developed a novel methodology to use low-coverage resequencing to identify genome-wide recombination patterns and applied this methodology on 60 tomato Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs). Our methodology identifies polymorphic markers from the low-coverage resequencing population data and utilizes the same data to locate the recombination breakpoints in individuals by using a variable sliding window. We identified 1,445 recombination sites comprising 112 recombination prone regions enriched for AT-rich DNA motifs. Furthermore, the recombination prone regions in tomato preferably occurred in gene promoters over intergenic regions, an observation consistent with Arabidopsis thaliana, Zea mays and Mimulus guttatus. Overall, our cost effective method and findings enhance the understanding of meiotic recombination in tomato and suggest evolutionarily conserved recombination associated genomic features.

Rapid identification of candidate genes for resistance to tomato late blight disease using next-generation sequencing technologies

Tomato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, also known as the Irish famine pathogen, is one of the most destructive plant diseases. Wild relatives of tomato possess useful resistance genes against this disease, and could therefore be used in breeding to improve cultivated varieties. In the genome of a wild relative of tomato, Solanum habrochaites accession LA1777, we identified a new quantitative trait locus for resistance against blight caused by an aggressive Egyptian isolate of P. infestans. Using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-Seq) technology, we determined 6,514 genome-wide SNP genotypes of an F2 population derived from an interspecific cross. Subsequent association analysis of genotypes and phenotypes of the mapping population revealed that a 6.8 Mb genome region on chromosome 6 was a candidate locus for disease resistance. Whole-genome resequencing analysis revealed that 298 genes in this region potentially had functional differences between the parental lines. Among of them, two genes with missense mutations, Solyc06g071810.1 and Solyc06g083640.3, were considered to be potential candidates for disease resistance. SNP and SSR markers linking to this region can be used in marker-assisted selection in future breeding programs for late blight disease, including introgression of new genetic loci from wild species. In addition, the approach developed in this study provides a model for identification of other genes for attractive agronomical traits.

Genetic Determinants of Crop Timing and Quality Traits in Two Interspecific Petunia Recombinant Inbred Line Populations

The rate at which plants develop new nodes (development rate) is a major determinant of crop production time, yet the genetic control of this process, including genetic interactions with crop quality parameters, is poorly understood. We employed a modified genotyping-by-sequencing approach and generated genetic linkage maps with 6,291 and 3,297 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the interspecific Petunia recombinant inbred line (RIL) population - P. axillaris × P. exserta (AE) and P. integrifolia × P. axillaris (IA), respectively. Comparative mapping between the populations revealed perfect collinearity of marker order but different recombination frequency at the corresponding linkage groups (LGs). Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping conducted for development traits and other important quality traits indicated QTL clustered on chromosome 1, 2, 4 and 6 for the AE population and chromosome 1, 2, 5 and 6 for the IA population. Additionally, 209 differentially expressed unique transcripts were identified in shoot apex tissue between fast- and slow-developing RILs, 13 of which mapped to within 1 cM of a development rate QTL. These results will facilitate the identification of novel genes controlling crop timing and quality traits in Petunia and highlight the power of using multiple interspecific populations to elucidate genetic determinants of natural variation.

Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, and Heritability of Fruit Traits in Capsicum annuum

Cultivated pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a phenotypically diverse species grown throughout the world. Wild and landrace peppers are typically small-fruited and pungent, but contain many important traits such as insect and disease resistance. Cultivated peppers vary dramatically in size, shape, pungency, and color, and often lack resistance traits. Fruit characteristics (e.g. shape and pericarp thickness) are major determinants for cultivar selection, and their association with disease susceptibility can reduce breeding efficacy. This study evaluated a diverse collection of peppers for mature fruit phenotypic traits, correlation among fruit traits and Phytophthora fruit rot resistance, genetic diversity, population structure, and trait broad sense heritability. Significant differences within all fruit phenotype categories were detected among pepper lines. Fruit from Europe had the thickest pericarp, and fruit from Ecuador had the thinnest. For fruit shape index, fruit from Africa had the highest index, while fruit from Europe had the lowest. Five genetic clusters were detected in the pepper population and were significantly associated with fruit thickness, end shape, and fruit shape index. The genetic differentiation between clusters ranged from little to very great differentiation when grouped by the predefined categories. Broad sense heritability for fruit traits ranged from 0.56 (shoulder height) to 0.98 (pericarp thickness). When correlations among fruit phenotypes and fruit disease were evaluated, fruit shape index was negatively correlated with pericarp thickness, and positively correlated with fruit perimeter. Pepper fruit pericarp, perimeter, and width had a slight positive correlation with Phytophthora fruit rot, whereas fruit shape index had a slight negative correlation.

Wide-genome QTL mapping of fruit quality traits in a tomato RIL population derived from the wild-relative species Solanum pimpinellifolium L

QTL and candidate genes associated to fruit quality traits have been identified in a tomato genetic map derived from Solanum pimpinellifolium L., providing molecular tools for marker-assisted breeding. The study of genetic, physiological, and molecular pathways involved in fruit development and ripening has considered tomato as the model fleshy-fruited species par excellence. Fruit quality traits regarding organoleptic and nutritional properties are major goals for tomato breeding programs since they largely decide the acceptance of tomato in both fresh and processing markets. Here we report the genetic mapping of single-locus and epistatic quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated to the fruit size and content of sugars, acids, vitamins, and carotenoids from the characterization of a RIL population derived from the wild-relative Solanum pimpinellifolium TO-937. A genetic map composed of 353 molecular markers including 13 genes regulating fruit and developmental traits was generated, which spanned 1007 cM with an average distance between markers of 2.8 cM. Genetic analyses indicated that fruit quality traits analyzed in this work exhibited transgressive segregation and that additive and epistatic effects are the major genetic basis of fruit quality traits. Moreover, most mapped QTL showed environment interaction effects. FrW7.1 fruit size QTL co-localized with QTL involved in soluble solid, vitamin C, and glucose contents, dry weight/fresh weight, and most importantly with the Sucrose Phosphate Synthase gene, suggesting that polymorphisms in this gene could influence genetic variation in several fruit quality traits. In addition, 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase and Tocopherol cyclase genes were identified as candidate genes underlying QTL variation in beta-carotene and vitamin C. Together, our results provide useful genetic and molecular information regarding fruit quality and new chances for tomato breeding by implementing marker-assisted selection.

Mapping in the era of sequencing: high density genotyping and its application for mapping TYLCV resistance in Solanum pimpinellifolium

BACKGROUND

A RIL population between Solanum lycopersicum cv. Moneymaker and S. pimpinellifolium G1.1554 was genotyped with a custom made SNP array. Additionally, a subset of the lines was genotyped by sequencing (GBS).

RESULTS

A total of 1974 polymorphic SNPs were selected to develop a linkage map of 715 unique genetic loci. We generated plots for visualizing the recombination patterns of the population relating physical and genetic positions along the genome.This linkage map was used to identify two QTLs for TYLCV resistance which contained favourable alleles derived from S. pimpinellifolium. Further GBS was used to saturate regions of interest, and the mapping resolution of the two QTLs was improved. The analysis showed highest significance on Chromosome 11 close to the region of 51.3 Mb (qTy-p11) and another on Chromosome 3 near 46.5 Mb (qTy-p3). Furthermore, we explored the population using untargeted metabolic profiling, and the most significant differences between susceptible and resistant plants were mainly associated with sucrose and flavonoid glycosides.

CONCLUSIONS

The SNP information obtained from an array allowed a first QTL screening of our RIL population. With additional SNP data of a RILs subset, obtained through GBS, we were able to perform an in silico mapping improvement to further confirm regions associated with our trait of interest. With the combination of different ~ omics platforms we provide valuable insight into the genetics of S. pimpinellifolium-derived TYLCV resistance.

Sequence-based SSR marker development and their application in defining the Introgressions of LA0716 (Solanum pennellii) in the background of cv. M82 (Solanum lycopersicum)

The introgression lines (ILs) from cv. M82 (Solanum lycopersicum) × LA0716 (S. pennellii) have been proven to be exceptionally useful for genetic analysis and gene cloning. The introgressions were originally defined by RFLP markers at their development. The objectives of this study are to develop polymorphic SSR markers, and to re-define the DNA introgression from LA0716 in the ILs. Tomato sequence data was scanned by software to generate SSR markers. In total, 829 SSRs, which could be robustly amplified by PCR, were developed. Among them, 658 SSRs were dinucleotide repeats, 162 were trinucleotide repeats, and nine were tetranucleotide repeats. The 829 SSRs together with 96 published RFLPs were integrated into the physical linkage map of S. lycopersicum. Introgressions of DNA fragments from LA0716 were re-defined among the 75 ILs using the newly developed SSRs. A specific introgression of DNA fragment from LA0716 was identified in 72 ILs as described previously by RFLP, whereas the specific DNA introgression described previously were not detected in the ILs LA4035, LA4059 and LA4091. The physical location of each investigated DNA introgression was finely determined by SSR mapping. Among the 72 ILs, eight ILs showed a shorter and three ILs (IL3-2, IL12-3 and IL12-3-1) revealed a longer DNA introgression than that framed by RFLPs. Furthermore, 54 previously undefined segments were found in 21 ILs, ranging from 1 to 11 DNA introgressions per IL. Generally, the newly developed SSRs provide additional markers for genetic studies of tomatoes, and the fine definition of DNA introgressions from LA0716 would facilitate the use of the ILs for genetic analysis and gene cloning.

Validation and fine mapping of lyc12.1, a QTL for increased tomato fruit lycopene content

Lycopene content is a key component of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit quality, and is a focus of many tomato-breeding programs. Two QTLs for increased fruit lycopene content, inherited from a high-lycopene S. pimpinellifolium accession, were previously detected on tomato chromosomes 7 and 12 using a S. lycopersicum × S. pimpinellifolium RIL population, and were identified as potential targets for marker-assisted selection and positional cloning. To validate the phenotypic effect of these two QTLs, a BC2 population was developed from a cross between a select RIL and the S. lycopersicum recurrent parent. The BC2 population was field-grown and evaluated for fruit lycopene content using HPLC. Statistical analyses revealed that while lyc7.1 did not significantly increase lycopene content in the heterozygous condition, individuals harboring lyc12.1 in the heterozygous condition contained 70.3 % higher lycopene than the recurrent parent. To eliminate the potential pleiotropic effect of fruit size and minimize the physical size of the lyc12.1 introgression, a marker-assisted backcross program was undertaken and produced a BC3S1 NIL population (n = 1,500) segregating for lyc12.1. Lycopene contents from lyc12.1 homozygous and heterozygous recombinants in this population were measured and lyc12.1 was localized to a 1.5 cM region. Furthermore, we determined that lyc12.1 was delimited to a ~1.5 Mb sequence of tomato chromosome 12, and provided some insight into potential candidate genes in the region. The derived sub-NILs will be useful for transferring of lyc12.1 to other tomato genetic backgrounds and for further fine-mapping and cloning of the QTL.

The corky root rot pathogen Pyrenochaeta lycopersici secretes a proteinaceous inducer of cell death affecting host plants differentially

Pathogenic isolates of Pyrenochaeta lycopersici, the causal agent of corky root rot of tomato, secrete cell death in tomato 1 (CDiT1), a homodimeric protein of 35 kDa inducing cell death after infiltration into the leaf apoplast of tomato. CDiT1 was purified by fast protein liquid chromatography, characterized by mass spectrometry and cDNA cloning. Its activity was confirmed after infiltration of an affinity-purified recombinant fusion of the protein with a C-terminal polyhistidine tag. CDiT1 is highly expressed during tomato root infection compared with axenic culture, and has a putative ortholog in other pathogenic Pleosporales species producing proteinaceous toxins that contribute to virulence. Infiltration of CDiT1 into leaves of other plants susceptible to P. lycopersici revealed that the protein affects them differentially. All varieties of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) tested were more sensitive to CDiT1 than those of currant tomato (S. pimpinellifolium). Root infection assays showed that varieties of currant tomato are also significantly less prone to intracellular colonization of their root cells by hyphae of P. lycopersici than varieties of cultivated tomato. Therefore, secretion of this novel type of inducer of cell death during penetration of the fungus inside root cells might favor infection of host species that are highly sensitive to this molecule.

Structural homology in the Solanaceae: analysis of genomic regions in support of synteny studies in tomato, potato and pepper

We have analysed the structural homology in euchromatin regions of tomato, potato and pepper with special attention for the long arm of chromosome 2 (2L). Molecular organization and colinear junctions were delineated using multi-color BAC FISH analysis and comparative sequence alignment. We found large-scale rearrangements including inversions and segmental translocations that were not reported in previous comparative studies. Some of the structural rearrangements are specific for the tomato clade, and differentiate tomato from potato, pepper and other Solanaceous species. Although local gene vicinity is largely preserved, there are many small-scale synteny perturbations. Gene adjacency in the aligned segments was frequently disrupted for 47% of the ortholog pairs as a result of gene and LTR retrotransposon insertions, and occasionally by single gene inversions and translocations. Our data also suggests that long distance intra-chromosomal rearrangements and local gene rearrangements have evolved frequently during speciation in the Solanum genus, and that small changes are more prevalent than large-scale differences. The occurrence of sonata and harbinger transposable elements and other repeats near or at junction breaks is considered in the light of repeat-mediated rearrangements and a reconstruction scenario for an ancestral 2L topology is discussed.

Genetic and genomic approaches for R-gene mediated disease resistance in tomato: retrospects and prospects

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the world's most important vegetable crops. Managing the health of this crop can be particularly challenging; crop resistance may be overcome by new pathogen races while new pathogens have been introduced by global agricultural markets. Tomato is extensively used as a model plant for resistance studies and much has been attained through both genetic and biotechnological approaches. In this paper, we illustrate genomic methods currently employed to preserve resistant germplasm and to facilitate the study and transfer of resistance genes, and we describe the genomic organization of R-genes. Patterns of gene activation during disease resistance response, identified through functional approaches, are depicted. We also describe the opportunities offered by the use of new genomic technologies, including high-throughput DNA sequencing, large-scale expression data production and the comparative hybridization technique, whilst reporting multifaceted approaches to achieve genetic tomato disease control. Future strategies combining the huge amount of genomic and genetic data will be able to accelerate development of novel resistance varieties sustainably on a worldwide basis. Such strategies are discussed in the context of the latest insights obtained in this field.

Identification and characterization of tomato mutants affected in the Rx-mediated resistance to PVX isolates

Five tomato mutants affected in the Rx-mediated resistance against Potato virus X (PVX) were identified by screening a mutagenized population derived from a transgenic, Rx1-expressing 'Micro-Tom' line. Contrary to their parental line, they failed to develop lethal systemic necrosis upon infection with the virulent PVX-KH2 isolate. Sequence analysis and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction experiments indicated that the mutants are not affected in the Rx1 transgene or in the Hsp90, RanGap1 and RanGap2, Rar1 and Sgt1 genes. Inoculation with the PVX-CP4 avirulent isolate demonstrated that the Rx1 resistance was still effective in the mutants. In contrast, the virulent PVX-KH2 isolate accumulation was readily detectable in all mutants, which could further be separated in two groups depending on their ability to restrict the accumulation of PVX-RR, a mutant affected at two key positions for Rx1 elicitor activity. Finally, transient expression of the viral capsid protein elicitor indicated that the various mutants have retained the ability to mount an Rx1-mediated hypersensitive response. Taken together, the results obtained are consistent with a modification of the specificity or intensity of the Rx1-mediated response. The five Micro-Tom mutants should provide very valuable resources for the identification of novel tomato genes affecting the functioning of the Rx gene.