Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is widely cultivated worldwide; however, Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol), remains one of the major diseases affecting tomato production. Because mineral elements can influence plant defence and pathogen colonization, leaf ionomic profiling may provide useful information on host responses during plant-pathogen interactions. This study aimed to analyze leaf ionomes and identify physiological adaptations in tomato plants during the Fol interaction across resistant, moderately resistant, and susceptible varieties. Leaves from inoculated and uninoculated plants were collected at 0 days before inoculation (0 DBI; pre-infection baseline) and at 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation (DAI), and were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and boron concentrations were generally higher in resistant varieties than in susceptible varieties before and after inoculation. In contrast, iron concentration was higher in susceptible varieties and declined markedly after Fol infection, especially in susceptible genotypes. Principal component analysis further separated resistant and susceptible varieties on the basis of their elemental profiles. These differences in leaf ionome composition suggest that mineral nutrient status is associated with tomato response to Fusarium wilt and may contribute to the resilience of resistant varieties.
V. Solanki, Susheel Singh, Trupti K. Vyas et al.· Notulae Scientia Biologicae· 0 citations
Malnutrition and climate-induced stress remain major constraints to global food and nutritional security despite the yield gains of the Green Revolution. Solanaceae crops such as tomato, potato, brinjal, and pepper are key sources of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Yet, their genetic improvement has been limited by narrow diversity and complex polygenic traits. The advent of CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing provides a transformative platform for precision crop improvement by enabling targeted modification of genes controlling stress tolerance, yield, and nutritional quality. In Solanaceae, CRISPR/Cas applications have successfully enhanced resistance against major pathogens (SlMlo1, SlPelo, SlDCL2), improved abiotic stress tolerance through editing of SlMAPK3, SlCBF1, and SlBZR1, and optimized fruit quality traits via modulation of Psy1, CrtR-b2, and fiAD2/3. Emerging innovations, such as base and prime editing, and RNP-mediated transgene-free delivery, are expanding the precision and scope of editing. However, challenges persist, including genotype-dependent transformation, low HDR efficiency, and incomplete understanding of off-target and epigenetic effects. Integrating CRISPR with omics-guided gene discovery, efficient transformation systems, and regulatory harmonization can accelerate the development of nutritionally enriched, stress-resilient, and sustainable Solanaceae varieties. This review synthesizes recent advances, identifies critical limitations, and outlines future opportunities for deploying CRISPR/Cas technology to achieve next-generation breeding and food system resilience.
Vandana Thakur, A. Vats, Rahul Kumar et al.· Plants· 0 citations
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