Role of tomato susceptibility genes in the colonization with beneficial microorganisms

Plant-microbe interaction

In order to combat plant pathogens in tomato (and other crops), the generation of introgression lines with multiple resistance (R-)genes has become common practice. Recently, breeding has also made an effort to remove or impair susceptibility (S-)genes from the tomato genome. At the same time, the use of beneficial microorganisms to stimulate growth and robustness (i.e. biostimulants) and to mitigate disease- and pest-outbreaks (i.e. biocontrol agents) is increasing.

In contrast to highly specific R-genes, S-genes are involved in more general plant physiological processes and plant-microbe interactions. Thus, S-gene removal can severely impact the ability of beneficial microorganisms to colonize the plant and consequentially their efficiency as biostimulants or biocontrol agents. To successfully employ S-gene mutants in the future, association between S-genes and the plant colonization with beneficials needs to be assessed.

Project outline

In this project we propose to test the ability of selected beneficial microorganisms to colonize different tomato introgression lines from the project partners with the presence/absence of different S-genes will be tested. At the same time the effectiveness of the selected beneficial microorganisms in acting as biostimulants or mitigating disease will be assessed. In addition, the effect of S-gene removal on the natural indigenous community will be tested. This study will enable selective breeding for genetic varieties on the basis of their ability to interact with beneficial microbial strains. In addition, it will generate more knowledge on the interaction between plants and beneficial microorganisms, which will help to use them in a more efficient and targeted way.

Our expertise

• Microbial colonization studies in vitro and in the greenhouse
• Molecular detection
• Microbiome composition
• Disease bioassays
• Panel of tomato introgression lines differing in the presence of S-genes at the department of Plant Breeding.

Call for partners

We are looking for industrial partners active in tomato breeding and cultivation that are interested in using beneficial microorganisms and breeding for sustainable interactions. Companies can join a Public-private partnership (Topsector project), but also bilateral collaboration is possible.

Please be aware that this is not a currently ongoing project. Therefore, we do not currently recruit students to work on this topic.