Tomato: Genetics, Genomics, and Breeding of Health-Related Traits

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a popular crop due to its versatility and nutritional quality. In addition to its nutritional content, tomato is rich in various phytochemicals that are known to have beneficial effects on human health. These bioactive components include pigments like lycopene and Β-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), phenolic compounds, polyamines, and glycoalkaloids. Tomato metabolites have various bioactivities such as antihypertensive, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiallergenic, antiatherogenic, antithrombotic, and antimicrobial effects. Research aimed at improving tomato for many of these specific activities is still in its infancy; however, a foundation of knowledge has been established for health-related (HR) traits in the crop. In this chapter, previous works surveying tomato germplasm for HR traits, conventional breeding, and genetic investigation of these characteristics are described. We also discuss research aimed at HR gene mapping and isolation as well as efforts to improve these traits via genetic engineering and genome editing. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.