MSU researchers identify genes to produce seedless tomatoes
Vadodara: In a breakthrough, researchers at M S University have identified key genes that can be used to produce seedless fruits and enhance the shelf life of tomatoes. Researchers at the Department of Botany of MSU's Faculty of Science succeeded in producing seedless tomatoes by silencing one of the genes.
Interestingly, these genes also help plants overcome heat and drought stress, paving the way for more heat and drought-resilient tomatoes and other crops, which is crucial for food security in the face of climate change.
"We studied the roles of the caspase-like genes in tomatoes," said professor Sunil Singh, who led the team of researchers for the project funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board. "We found that some of these genes play crucial roles in controlling both vegetative and reproductive development in tomato plants.
By silencing one of the genes, we were able to produce seedless tomatoes," he said.
The researchers also found that in addition to making fruits seedless, these genes regulate the ageing of leaves. "Silencing of these genes changes how leaves and plants age, making them very useful for improving existing crops and contributing to food sustainability," said Singh, whose team included researchers Dr Maitri Trivedi, Krishna Tandel, and Parthvi Joshi.
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"The study further revealed that these genes help plants respond to environmental stressors like heat and drought. This means that more heat and drought-resilient tomatoes and other crops could be developed by altering these genes, which is crucial for food security in the face of climate change," he said, adding that the research opens up new possibilities for improving crops and yield.
Researchers said that seedless fruits are highly desirable and are commonly found in crops like bananas, grapes, and oranges.
In many plants, seedless fruits occur naturally and can also be produced using hormone treatments and crossbreeding processes.
"However, these methods are time-consuming and largely ineffective due to complex breeding methods and lack of suitable parent plants. If caspase-like genes are harnessed to create seedless fruits, it will yield significant benefits for both the agriculture sector and the fruit industry," he said, adding that with an entire line of GM (genetically modified) tomatoes ready, the next step is to take it to the field.
With the success that the researchers achieved in tomatoes, the team is now exploring the possibility of improving crops, stress mitigation, and extending the shelf life of other leafy vegetables and fruits for more sustainable agriculture. "By utilising these genes as genetic tools, seedless varieties could potentially be developed in numerous other important vegetables and fruits," he said.
Head: Big Breakthrough
Modifying certain genes help plants respond to environmental stressors like heat and drought
Silencing of these genes changes how leaves and plants age
heat and drought-resilient tomatoes and other crops could be developed by altering genes
After success with tomatoes, researchers are now exploring the possibility of improving crops, stress mitigation and extending the shelf life of vegetables, fruits
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