Genetic control of root vigour in tomato

The aim of the project is to identify novel genetic loci and mechanisms for use in breeding enhanced root vigour in tomato. This will be done by examining recent findings of a novel locus controlling root vigour which is related to carbohydrate partitioning in the roots. This will be examined to understand the mechanism at work. It will also look to identify other loci controlling root vigour using forward genetics techniques. This will make use of sequencing and genotyping technologies, as well as bioinformatics analysis. Crop root systems are a good focus for breeding programmes to improve sustainability and resilience of varieties. Root systems are the mechanism which retrieves nutrients and other resources from the soil. They also anchor the plant, sequester carbon and can provide resistance to soil borne diseases. Combining beneficial root traits into varieties that produce the best fruit produce will allow reduction in water and fertiliser input. It could also reduce the need for soil fumigation practices, which may be harmful to long term soil health. For fresh-market vegetable crops like the tomato, breeding for root traits is more specialized because different scion and rootstock genotypes are grafted together to combine useful shoot and root traits. Breeders select rootstock genotypes visually based on root vigour, and then combine other essential traits like disease resistance by crossing and selecting with DNA-based markers. If the genetic basis for root vigour was understood and markers for root vigour were available this process could be simplified and made much more efficient.