The Mediterranean basin countries are considered secondary centres of tomato diversification. However, information on phenotypic and allelic variation of local tomato materials is still limited. Here we report on the evaluation of the largest traditional tomato collection, which includes 1499 accessions from Southern Europe. Analyses of 70 traits revealed a broad range of phenotypic variability with different distributions among countries, with the culinary end use within each country being the main driver of tomato diversification. Furthermore, eight main tomato types (phenoclusters) were defined by integrating phenotypic data, country of origin, and end use. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analyses identified associations in 211 loci, 159 of which were novel. The multidimensional integration of phenoclusters and the GWAS meta-analysis identified the molecular signatures for each traditional tomato type and indicated that signatures originated from differential combinations of loci, which in some cases converged in the same tomato phenotype. Our results provide a roadmap for studying and exploiting this untapped tomato diversity.
Background: The use of fungicides in order to manage plant diseases can potentially pose a risk to the environment which could lead to adverse impacts to human health. An alternative practice for efficient plant protection need to be found. Nevertheless, the positive effect of host nutrition to disease incidence is well documented for many crops. This study examined the efficacy of N and K fertilization compared to fungicide applications in controlling downy mildew of cucumber plants. The relationship between disease intensity, soil nutrients' and cucumber leaves was also assessed. Methods: Cucumber plants grown in pots were treated with two N levels (200 and 300 ppm) and three levels of K (200, 300 and 400 ppm) along with two applications of Aliette 80 WG (protective and curative action) in a randomized block design. Inoculation of cucumber leaves with Pseuperonospora cubensis was carried out. Downy mildew development assessed at various intervals along with soil and leaf nutrient status of the plants. Experimental data were submitted to ANOVA. Results: The results demonstrated that downy mildew declined with increasing rates of K when N applied in low levels while at high N dose disease was elevated as K was increased. High disease severity was observed in cucumber plants grown under low levels of N and K, at early growth of the pathogen while at late disease stage, high rates of both N and K exhibited increased infection. Even though the preventative fungicide application gave best control of downy mildew, its effectiveness on inhibition of P. cubensis growth did not differ from the impact of fertilization with low N and high K doses, as disease was spreading. Conclusion: This work concluded that the application of N and K through inorganic fertilizers to cucumber plants had a suppressing effect on downy mildew disease. The positive impact of the correct management of nutrients could make integrative plant nutrition an essential component in sustainable agriculture.
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