Search Results (765)

High-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has substantially advanced plant transcriptional landscapes. However, decoding cell-type-specific transcriptional regulation in non-model crops like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) remains challenging. An integrated computational pipeline was applied using high-dimensional weighted gene co-expression (hdWGCNA) and ensemble machine learning to analyze tomato leaf single-cell transcriptomes. Unsupervised clustering identified 19 cell subpopulations mapped to five major cell-types: mesophyll cells (50.6%), guard cells (31.0%), trichomes (8.3%), vascular cells (7.5%), and lamina epidermis (2.6%). hdWGCNA revealed eight cell-type-specific modules, linking mesophyll cells to photosynthesis and guard cells to redox homeostasis. Machine learning classifiers prioritized candidate transcription factors (TFs), with XGBoost achieving the highest accuracy (0.85) to define cell identity. A consensus of 33 core TFs was identified, from which four candidate TFs (SlWRKY-78, SlWRKY-75, SlERF-57, and SlGLK-49) were selected for in silico knockout (KO) analysis. The simulations predicted that these knockouts might dysregulate core functional pathways, such as serine-type endopeptidase inhibitor activity and protein binding. Furthermore, CellOracle simulations suggested that the virtual deletion of the guard-cell-associated SlWRKY-78 and SlWRKY-75 could induce a directional trajectory shift from the terminally differentiated guard cells back to the less differentiated mesophyll territory. These findings provide a promising computational framework for deciphering cell-type-specific regulatory programs in horticultural crops. Full article

Optimizing cultivation methods is crucial for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of protected agriculture in water-limited regions. This study systematically evaluated the effects of three cultivation methods—bucket, non-woven bag, and underground trough cultivation—on the root-zone environment, growth, yield, and quality of greenhouse-grown tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. ‘Provence’) in a Gobi Desert facility. Key root-zone parameters (substrate temperature, moisture, and electrical conductivity) and plant agronomic traits (plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, and SPAD) were monitored throughout the growth cycle. Final yield and fruit quality indicators (lycopene, soluble sugars, and vitamin C) were analyzed. The results demonstrated that bucket and underground trough cultivation created a more stable root-zone environment, with better moisture retention and temperature regulation than bag cultivation. These methods significantly improved plant growth, with yield per plant increasing by 23.18% and 18.18% under bucket and underground trough cultivation, respectively, alongside enhanced fruit quality metrics. In conclusion, bucket and underground trough cultivation effectively optimize the root-zone environment, leading to superior tomato growth, yield, and quality compared to traditional non-woven bag cultivation. These methods show significant potential for application in arid and semi-arid regions to support sustainable and efficient greenhouse production. Full article

This study presents pedagogical innovations in the undergraduate course Postharvest Technology and Quality Management at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), where project-based learning (PBL) is used to integrate academic quality assurance and sustainability education, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study adopts a descriptive multiple-case approach to analyze five representative student projects and their alignment with the SDGs. The projects address real-world postharvest challenges, including quality preservation, renewable energy use, and food loss reduction. A qualitative cross-case analysis based on SDGs mapping criteria was used to evaluate project alignment and societal outcomes. Representative student projects demonstrate how inquiry-driven learning enhances technical competence and research skills. Quantitative outcomes include a reduction in weight loss from 27.1% to 18.8% in coated tomatoes, increased weight loss up to 46.37% under severe mechanical damage in zucchini, and significant firmness reduction in bruised apples (53.23 N to 21.64 N). Hybrid infrared–hot air drying improved drying efficiency by reducing drying time and enhancing moisture removal, while banana coating experiments showed reduced moisture loss and delayed ripening. The analysis shows that all five projects align with at least two SDGs, with SDG 12 addressed in 100% of the cases. The curriculum is explicitly aligned with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). The study highlights the societal relevance of course-based projects through their contribution to SDG-related challenges and emphasizes the role of mentorship, teamwork, and experiential learning infrastructure in sustaining effective PBL implementation. Cross-case comparison highlights common sustainability contributions, including a reduction in postharvest losses, adoption of natural preservation methods, and improvements in energy-efficient processing. The findings highlight the potential of course-based PBL as a context-specific approach for integrating sustainability into undergraduate education. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cumulative occupational exposure and ocular surface alterations in Colombian tomato farm workers, using data collected through a cross-sectional survey. In addition, the study sought to explore how occupational exposure duration may support risk stratification and targeted preventive strategies in this vulnerable population. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 72 tomato farm workers in Colombia. Participants were grouped according to duration of agricultural work experience (<15 years vs. ≥15 years). Clinical assessments included slit lamp examination, tear film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer test, and fluorescein staining. Subjective symptoms were evaluated using the McMonnies Dry Eye Questionnaire. Ocular surface alterations, including conjunctival changes and Meibomian gland dysfunction, were documented and statistically analyzed between groups. Results: Workers with ≥15 years of experience reported significantly higher dry eye symptom scores (McMonnies mean = 8.19 ± 2.54) than those with <15 years (mean = 6.59 ± 2.61; p = 0.006). Schirmer test scores were lower in the experienced group (16.30 ± 11.48 mm vs. 22.71 ± 11.20 mm; p = 0.018), indicating reduced tear production. Bulbar conjunctival alterations and Meibomian gland obstruction were significantly more frequent in the experienced group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.013, respectively). No significant differences were found in BUT or eyelid findings. Conclusions: Long-term agricultural work was associated with increased dry eye-related symptoms and clinical signs of ocular surface compromise among Colombian tomato farm workers. From a personalized medicine perspective, occupational exposure duration may represent a useful risk-stratification factor to identify workers who could benefit from targeted screening, preventive counseling, protective interventions, and individualized follow-up. These findings support the implementation of tailored occupational eye health strategies to reduce cumulative ocular surface damage in vulnerable rural populations. Full article

High-temperature stress severely limits the growth, development, and productivity of tomatoes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying its thermotolerance is crucial for breeding heat-resistant varieties. This study employed a stepwise experimental strategy to systematically elucidate the role of the chlorophyll a/b-binding protein SlCAB3 in tomato thermotolerance. First, a high-temperature responsive transcription factor, SlDREBA4, previously identified in our lab, was used in a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify potential interacting proteins, including SlCAB3. The interaction between SlDREBA4 and SlCAB3 was further validated using tobacco in vivo luciferase complementation imaging (LCI) and in vitro pull-down assays. Subsequently, the expression patterns of SlCAB3 under heat stress were analyzed, and its biological function was further evaluated through overexpression, gene silencing, and knockout experiments. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activities, chlorophyll content, and the expression of stress-responsive genes were measured to comprehensively assess their physiological and molecular regulatory roles. The results indicate that SlCAB3 encodes a typical chlorophyll a/b-binding protein and is rapidly induced by heat stress. Overexpression of SlCAB3 significantly enhances plant thermotolerance, evidenced by reduced heat damage, increased chlorophyll content, decreased ROS accumulation, elevated antioxidant enzyme activities, and upregulation of antioxidant-related genes. Conversely, silencing SlCAB3 produces opposite effects. Moreover, co-expression of SlCAB3 with SlDREBA4 further improves thermotolerance, accompanied by enhanced expression of heat shock protein-related and antioxidant-related genes. In conclusion, SlCAB3 is a positive regulator of tomato thermotolerance, and the interaction module formed with SlDREBA4 may collectively enhance heat resistance by strengthening antioxidant defense and heat stress response mechanisms. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally important high-value cash crop. However, long-term continuous cropping causes frequent soil-borne diseases and soil microecological imbalance, while overreliance on chemical pesticides leads to pesticide residues and water eutrophication. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are key resources for addressing tomato cultivation challenges, with their functions partly depending on the rhizosphere microenvironment inherently shaped by seedling tray materials. Using rhizosphere soil and substrates of tomato at different growth stages under biomass (BM) and plastic (PM) seedling tray treatments, this study combined culture-independent and culture-dependent techniques to analyze microbial community characteristics and screen high-efficiency PGPR. Results showed that pH and available nitrogen drove microbial community assembly. BM significantly enriched beneficial taxa (e.g., Trichoderma and Bacillus) and enhanced culturable microbial abundance and genetic diversity, while PM enriched potential pathogens (e.g., Fusarium and Pyrenochaeta). The multifunctional strain S25095 from BM, with phosphate-solubilizing, potassium-solubilizing, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-producing abilities, significantly promoted tomato shoot and root growth, outperforming single-functional strains and synthetic consortia. This study reveals the effects of growth stages and seedling tray treatments on tomato rhizosphere microorganisms, providing valuable PGPR resources for tomato cultivation. Full article

Plant viral diseases threaten the tomato agricultural industry. A smart decentralized diagnostic network was realized across the main Sicilian tomato-producing provinces for real-time detection/monitoring of Begomovirus solanumdelhiense (tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus—ToLCNDV), transmitted by Bemisia tabaci, Tobamovirus fructirugosum (tomato brown rugose fruit virus—ToBRFV), Orthotospovirus tomatomaculae (tomato spotted wilt virus—TSWV) and Amalgavirus lycopersici (southern tomato virus—STV). The network deployed smart portable thermocyclers and ready-to-use molecular diagnostic kits (real-time RT-LAMP, RT-qPCR). Data were remotely analyzed and in situ application of the developed kits was evaluated. Results revealed widespread STV infection (>70%) across all provinces, a variable ToBRFV presence with higher incidence in Ragusa (65%) and Siracusa (55.6%) provinces, ToLCNDV mainly concentrated in Siracusa (61.4%) and Trapani (60.2%) provinces, and localized TSWV outbreaks. ToLCNDV detection in Bemisia tabaci MED specimens confirmed the vector’s role in field transmission (up to 100% incidence). Performance comparison between laboratory and point-of-care conditions showed comparable accuracy, specificity, robustness, and rapid, cost-effective virus detection/monitoring. This diagnostic network enhances early diagnosis and timely phytosanitary interventions in tomato crops. The system supports integrated management strategies by reducing diagnostic delays and improving outbreak containment, control measures application and agroecosystem stability. Full article

Traditional irrigation management for tomatoes in solar greenhouses relies heavily on empirical manual experience and single soil moisture indicators, often leading to irrigation scheduling that lacks crop-specific physiological evidence and results in suboptimal water-use efficiency. To address these challenges, this study developed an intelligent, plant-centric irrigation decision-making framework for greenhouse tomatoes in the arid region of Xinjiang. Central to this framework is the precise identification of irrigation timing—the most critical first step and a fundamental prerequisite for achieving true on-demand irrigation. By monitoring the high-frequency dynamics of stem diameter (SD) and integrating soil moisture data, the physiological responsiveness of tomatoes to water stress was systematically analyzed. A hybrid predictive model, STL-LSTM, was constructed by coupling Seasonal-Trend decomposition using Loess (STL) with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to forecast 24-h SD trends. Furthermore, an innovative dual-threshold irrigation mechanism was established, utilizing a physiological trigger (Maximum Daily Shrinkage, MDS > 70 μm) and a soil moisture constraint (Volumetric Water Content, VWC ≤ 17%). Results demonstrated that tomato SD exhibited distinct diurnal rhythms, with MDS and Daily Increment (DI) identified as highly sensitive indicators of plant water status. The proposed STL-LSTM model achieved superior predictive performance during the peak fruiting stage, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9184, representing an improvement of 14.8% and 27.56% over standalone LSTM and ARIMA models, respectively. The validation of the dual-threshold mechanism confirms its ability to balance real-time crop water demand with conservation requirements, effectively mitigating the risks of premature or delayed irrigation inherent in traditional methods. This research provides scientific rationale and technical support for the transition of greenhouse agriculture in arid regions towards precision irrigation and optimised water resource management. Full article

The Mi-1 gene of tomato is responsible for the resistance of certain genotypes to root-knot nematodes or RKN (Meloidogyne spp.) and other harmful organisms such as aphids or whiteflies, in a complex cascade of transcriptional changes in which other tomato genes are also involved. The objective of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the Mi-1-mediated resistance of tomato to Meloidogyne javanica using oligonucleotide microarrays to identify additional plant genes involved in the compatible or incompatible tomato/nematode interactions. Microarray analysis was selected as it has been widely used to identify genes involved in plant resistance to pests and pathogens. In a first phase of the present work, the roots of uninfested tomato plants were analyzed, comparing the transcriptional profiles of susceptible (Moneymaker) and resistant (Motelle) cultivars. In Motelle, 180 transcripts were more expressed than in Moneymaker and only 44 transcripts showed lower expression. Motelle showed higher activity in salicylic, jasmonic and ethylene pathways, while the GAI protein was strongly repressed compared to Moneymaker. These and other basal differences provided valuable information on candidate genes associated with the presence of the Mi-1 gene in Motelle. Subsequent infection by M. javanica triggered an intense transcriptional reprograming that increased over time throughout both compatible (Moneymaker) and incompatible (Motelle) interactions, with scarce genes common to both interactions. At the early phase of infection (2 dpi), genes for the cell wall, hormones, RNA, stress, and transport were up-regulated in the compatible interaction, and signaling, protein, and redox genes were down-regulated; in the incompatible interaction, protease inhibitors were up-regulated, and hormone and RNA genes were down-regulated. Later (12 dpi), genes for hormones, the cell wall, RNA, stress, defense, and development were up-regulated in the compatible interaction, while transport and some stress/defense genes were down-regulated; the incompatible interaction showed mixed regulation within hormone, stress, and defense genes. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this study, we investigated the effect on antioxidant defenses of a tomato extract obtained by supercritical CO₂ extraction (sCO₂TE), evaluating whether this green extraction method preserves biological activity compared to a conventional tomato extract (CTE) and focusing on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) regulation, Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation modulation. Methods: Human glioblastoma astrocytoma U-373 cells were pre-treated with sCO₂TE or conventional tomato extract (CTE) and subsequently exposed to sodium arsenite (AsNaO₂) to induce oxidative stress, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to trigger inflammatory signaling. Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue and MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide]; cell toxicity by propidium iodide staining. Intracellular ROS and lipid peroxidation were measured by flow cytometry. Gene expression of NRF2, SOD1 and GPX1 was analyzed by qRT-PCR, NRF2 activation and modulation of ERK1/2 (Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2) and NF-κB (Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) were evaluated by Western blot. Results: Pre-treatment with sCO₂TE significantly reduced AsNaO₂-induced ROS production and lipid peroxidation, showing a stronger effect compared to CTE. sCO₂TE enhanced the expression of NRF2 phosphorylation and its downstream targets SOD1 and GPX1, particularly under oxidative stress conditions. In addition, sCO₂TE attenuated LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB p65, suggesting anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that sCO₂TE preserves the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tomato-derived bioactives. The comparable efficacy of sCO₂TE and CTE supports the use of sCO₂ as a sustainable and solvent-free extraction method for the development of nutraceutical formulations targeting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Full article

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of chronic diseases, which determines the relevance of the development of multicomponent antioxidant systems based on natural compounds. The aim of the study was a comprehensive evaluation of a lycopene-based dietary supplement (DS) and an investigation of the possibility of its use in flour products. The DS was obtained from tomato and watermelon powders with the addition of plant components; the composition was analyzed spectrophotometrically and chromatographically, and the antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH method. A high content of lycopene (20.08%) and polyphenolic compounds, which form the antioxidant potential of the system, was established. The antioxidant activity of the DS was 300.0 ± 5.7 μmol Trolox equivalents/g and was statistically lower compared to lycopene concentrate (p < 0.05), reflecting the influence of the multicomponent matrix. The addition of 2–10% of the dietary supplement to the oatmeal cookie recipe affects the product’s organoleptic properties, with the optimal dosage being 5%, which ensures the best sensory perception without degrading the texture. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of using the developed dietary supplement in functional flour product technology. Full article

The PGPR strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MHR24 (MHR24) was recently reported as a strong biocontrol strain. In this study, MHR24 was used to investigate phyllosphere effects during inoculations of tomato leaves (Solanum lycopersicum L.). When MHR24 was inoculated on foliar tissue, it caused apical chlorosis symptoms at 3–6 days after infiltration or submersion, which suggests that the bacterium may adopt a potentially pathogenic lifestyle in the phyllosphere. In order to detect the MHR24 interaction with the plant, it was stained with the commercial fluorophore 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt, selected from a pyrene series bearing diverse functional groups, based on several in vitro staining assays. Fluorescence used as a detection signal was observed by LSCM mainly in the vascular bundles, suggesting that rhizobacteria may preferentially colonize these tissue regions. Molecular docking, performed by analyzing the possible interactions between the outer membrane protein assembly factor BamB of the family protein B. amyloliquefaciens and the fluorophore, indicates that hydrogen bonds with serine 126 (SER126), serine 182 (SER182), isoleucine 180 (ILE180), and tryptophan 66 (TRP66), charges attraction and π-stacking with TRP66, and non-bonded attractions with leucine 224 (LEU224) can occur, which likely gives rise to a stable complex. These results are important in view of the application of MHR24 as part of a sustainable approach for increasing tomato crop production. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally important vegetable crop, with fruit quality being a major focus of research. Starch serves as the primary carbohydrate reserve during early fruit development and functions as a key carbon precursor for flavor compound biosynthesis in later stages. To elucidate the role of starch accumulation in determining ripe fruit quality, we analyzed the relationship between starch content in mature green fruits and flavor-related traits across eight tomato cultivars. The results demonstrated that starch content at the mature green stage showed a significantly positive correlation with total soluble solids (TSS) content (r = 0.922) and a significantly positive correlation with total acidity content (r = 0.783) in red-ripe fruits. Furthermore, the expression levels of starch synthesis gene AGPS1 and degradation gene PWD at the mature green stage were both significantly positively correlated with the final fruit TSS levels. These findings highlight the important role of starch accumulation during the mature green stage in shaping final fruit quality, providing a theoretical basis for breeding high-quality tomato varieties. Full article

Tomato landraces possess distinct flavors, colors, textures and aromas, making them suitable for traditional cuisine. Tomato landraces contain a wide range of genes, including those involved in fruit quality, that can be isolated and used in local breeding programs. In regions recognized as centers of origin, domestication and diversification, traditional farmers play an important role in the preservation of tomato landraces adapted to local conditions and agricultural practices, on the whole maintaining high genetic diversity. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of the crop cycle (C), genotype (G) and C × G interactions on the contents of soluble solids, reducing sugars, lycopene, total polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C, as well as the pH and antioxidant activity, in fifteen tomato landraces (genotypes) undergoing phenotypic selection and a commercial tomato variety (control). All the varieties were grown in two crop cycles under uniform greenhouse management using a randomized block design with four repetitions. Fruit composition was analyzed with AOAC and spectrophotometric methods. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were detected in the soluble solid content, pH, flavor and maturity indices, polyphenol and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity between C, G and C × G interactions. In contrast, titratable acidity, reducing sugars, lycopene and vitamin C did not differ between cycles. Coefficients of phenotypic and genotypic variation and broad-sense heritability (H²) ranged from 4.3 to 33.7, 2.0 to 19.0, and 3.2 to 63.5%, respectively. H² for bioactive compounds ranged from moderate to slightly high (16.3–38.8%). These findings, supported by laboratory analyses, suggest that genotypes under agronomic selection have potential as parents to enhance fruit quality in current and future breeding programs. Full article

Rhizoctonia solani is the main pathogen that causes tomato root rot, which is a soilborne disease that seriously affects tomato production, leading to huge economic losses. Biocontrol is an excellent control method for suppressing plant disease, as it is environmentally friendly, safe, and sustainable. Currently, reviews of the biocontrol of tomato root rot caused by R. solani are scarce. In this review, biocontrol agents, including bacteria and fungi, that can control tomato root rot caused by R. solani are discussed in depth, as well as their control effects. Moreover, this review systematically analyzes the potential control mechanisms of biocontrol agents, including the production of cell-wall-degrading enzymes, the production of metabolites, mycoparasitism, the induction of plant systemic resistance, and competition. Considerations for the practical application of biocontrol agents, including their formulation, reproducibility under field conditions, environmental variability, regulatory considerations for some microbial agents, and limitations, are also highlighted and discussed. Finally, further research suggestions are made for the future control of tomato root rot caused by R. solani. This review provides a basis for the field application of biocontrol agents to control tomato root rot caused by R. solani. Full article