Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of european tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) landraces for the study of traits related to the reproductive process
Author(s)
Riccini, Alessandro
Date Issued
October 21, 2019
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
This work of thesis has been carried out in the frame of the Traditom project, developed from 2015 to 2018, with the aim to foster the conservation of traditional tomato varieties and increase their competitiveness in the global and local market (www.traditom.eu). Phenotyping and genotyping data of the collection used in the project, collected in Viterbo and in other experimental fields, were used to develop a series of investigations related to fertility traits, with two specific focuses on seed size and stigma exsertion of tomato.
The study of fertility traits is important in tomato and other species because they are linked to the processes that allow the development of the final product of the plant, the fruit, in order to optimize and increase the production.
Seed size is in general directly related to plant vigour and information on QTLs and candidate genes could be useful in species where the seed is the edible part.
The phenomenon of variability in stigma position consist in the definition if the stigma is under or upper the anther cone tip. The cultivated tomato normally has an inserted stigma (within the anther cone), but a number of landraces have an exserted stigma (protruding from the anther cone). In addition, elongation of the style is enhanced by heat stress.
The molecular process that in cultivated tomato underlies the stigma position is poorly known and to gather information on this aspect is very important to ensure tomato fertility (higher fruit set) and self-pollination. On the other hand, controlling the position of the stigma could be an alternative to emasculation for hybrid seed production.
The results of this thesis contribute to study and characterize the European collection of tomato landraces, particularly focusing on that factors controlling fertility trait. The results were achieved with association mapping and transcriptomic analyses, identifying candidates QTLs and genes mainly involved in the control of seed size and stigma position in tomato.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Scienze delle produzioni vegetali e animali
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