Gene Editing Boosts Tolerance of Tomato Against Salt Stress

Researchers at the University of Verona, Italy and partners found that knocking out the Aucsia2 gene using CRISPR-Cas9 can change tomato root development and improve the plants' ability to withstand salt stress. The findings suggest that targeting this gene could help develop tomato varieties better adapted to saline conditions without reducing overall plant growth or yield.

The edited tomatoes developed fewer lateral roots, resulting in a simpler root system while maintaining normal shoot growth and fruit production. Under salt stress, the Aucsia2 mutants experienced less damage to their roots and shoots and showed a weaker response to salty conditions. The researchers also observed changes in hormone-related processes involving auxin, ethylene, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid.

The study suggests that these changes may give the edited plants a pre-adapted state that helps limit damage during salt stress. The researchers said Aucsia2 could be a promising target for developing gene-edited tomatoes with better tolerance to salt stress.

For more information, read the abstract from Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.