Blossom-end rot: a century-old problem in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and other vegetables

Abstract

Blossom-end rot (BER) is a devastating physiological disorder affecting vegetable production worldwide. Extensive research into the physiological aspects of the disorder has demonstrated that the underlying causes of BER are associated with perturbed calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis and irregular watering conditions in predominantly cultivated accessions. Further, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are critical players in BER development which, combined with unbalanced Ca2+ concentrations, greatly affect the severity of the disorder. The availability of a high-quality reference tomato genome as well as the whole genome resequencing of many accessions has recently permitted the genetic dissection of BER in segregating populations derived from crosses between cultivated tomato accessions. This has led to the identification of five loci contributing to BER from several studies. The eventual cloning of the genes contributing to BER would result in a deeper understanding of the molecular bases of the disorder. This will undoubtedly create crop improvement strategies for tomato as well as many other vegetables that suffer from BER.

Salt-tolerant alternative crops as sources of quality food to mitigate the negative impact of salinity on agricultural production

“…The symptoms observed were fruit growth cessation and the fruit area affected by Ca 2+ deficiency, which starts growing from the apical zone of the fruit, inducing cell necrosis and becoming brownish. Although the studies performed to elucidate the basis of this physiopathy are numerous, however the problem is unsolved (Topcu et al, 2022), and more information on the specific roles of altered Ca 2+ homeostasis among different cellular compartments is lacking.…”

“…We have already mentioned the so negative impact of BER in fruit quality and therefore fruit production, which is associated with altered Ca 2+ homeostasis. Recently, Topcu et al (2022) summarized the problems caused by this physiopathy in tomato, remarking that the identification of genes involved in BER development would result in a deeper understanding of the molecular bases of this disorder. To approach this goal it is necessary to select adequate materials, and some of the tomato traditional varieties of our collection could be very good candidates.…”

Understanding the Regular Biological Mechanism of Susceptibility of Tomato Plants to Low Incidences of Blossom-End Rot

“…Vegetable production faces numerous challenges, from both biological and environmental factors, often resulting in significant losses. With the global population expanding, there is a growing demand for reliable food sources [1]. However, abiotic stresses, particularly exacerbated by climate change, are increasingly prevalent.…”

“…Nonetheless, over half of the tomatoes cultivated in the country go to waste during various stages of the production, harvesting, retail, and wholesale processes, resulting in substantial reductions in quantity and quality [8]. Blossom-end rot (BER) is a century-old problem and the most devastating physiological disorder [1] to affect various crops such as tomato, pepper, watermelon, and eggplant [9,10]. BER and related disorders primarily affect the fruit, but other parts of the plant can also suffer, such as leaves and flowers [11,12].…”

Tomato molecular biology – special collection of papers for molecular horticulture

“…and eggplant ( Solanum melongena L.). In this special collection, Topcu et al ( 2022 ) review the latest information of the biological basis of BER as well as the genetic and molecular underpinnings of this important physiological disorder. The paper presents information on the role of altered Ca 2+ homeostasis among different cellular compartments, and especially the role of Ca 2+ and interactions with pectin in the fruit primary cell walls.…”