Uncovering tomato candidate genes for seed germination performance and seedling vigour using the Solanum pennellii introgression line population

Selection for drought tolerance in backcross populations derived from interspecific crosses of Solanum lycopersicum × Solanum pennellii

“…Despite the higher germination percentage, S. pennellii had reduced seedling growth when compared with their respective BC 1 F 2 , indicating that the selected BC 1 F 2 combined the ability to germinate with good initial vegetative growth under drought, surpassing both parental genotypes. The inferior seedling development of S. pennellii may be related to their reduced seed size and to the lack of selection for commercial characteristics (Doganlar et al, 2000; Pessoa et al, 2021).…”

“…For instance, different genotypes might respond to drought by allocating more resources to processes such as antioxidant defence, osmoregulation, or secondary metabolism, instead of plant growth (Kumar et al, 2021; Ozturk et al, 2021). Indeed, S. pennellii have shown high antioxidant capacity and osmoregulation, but reduced growth (Frary et al, 2010; Hu et al, 2022; Ijaz et al, 2017; Pessoa et al, 2021). Despite the apparently different drought tolerance strategies, the biomass production in most of these BC 1 F 2 plants was higher than in their parents under drought stress, confirming the potential of these progenies for breeding programmes.…”

“…As the genotype selection in segregating generations can be a lengthy process, a suitable alternative is the use of fast, low‐cost and effective methodologies to evaluate a large number of plants in a short period. In this sense, in vitro assays using aqueous solutions to simulate drought, such as mannitol, are a technique with great potential for the first screening and selection of resistant genotypes (Marssaro et al, 2017; Pessoa et al, 2021). Moreover, seed germination and initial seedling stages are critical for plant establishment and development under drought and, thus, represent an important selection step (Mishra et al, 2016).…”

Identification and Validation of Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Fruit Puffiness in a Processing Tomato Population

“…Such genetic analysis also provides information relative to the location of loci, gene action, and the effect of an allele substitution, all of which may facilitate selection strategies [ 12 ]. QTL mapping is also an important step in prospecting or mining candidate genes [ 13 ]. Here, we describe a multi-generational analysis of the genetics underlying fruit puffiness within a processing tomato population.…”