The TOMI Project aims to develop disease-resistant organic tomatoes with exceptional flavor through the integration of biological control of pathogens, induced systemic resistance, and variety development.
Advancing Disease-Resistant and Flavorful Organic Tomatoes: The TOMI Project
The Tomato Organic Management and Improvement Project (TOMI) is a groundbreaking initiative led by Dr. Lori Hoagland of Purdue University. With a focus on developing disease-resistant organic tomatoes with exceptional flavor, TOMI takes a multi-faceted approach to combat the challenges faced by organic tomato production.
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Organic tomatoes, especially heirloom varieties, are highly sought after for their superior flavor and unique color patterns. However, they face significant challenges from fungal, water mold, and bacterial pathogens. To address this, TOMI aims to develop improved tomato varieties with stable, multi-gene resistance to pathogens while maintaining excellent flavor.
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Harnessing the Power of Microbes for Disease Resistance
The second phase of the TOMI project focuses on understanding how tomato genetics can promote specific rhizosphere microbes that mitigate disease issues. These microbes play a dual role in suppressing pathogens directly through their antibiotic and antifungal capabilities and indirectly through induced systemic resistance (ISR).
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ISR occurs when certain bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere prime the entire plant for enhanced defense against pathogens. By harnessing the power of beneficial microbes, TOMI researchers are working towards developing disease-resistant tomatoes.
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Integrating Multiple Genes for Horizontal Resistance
The TOMI project represents a significant advancement in the development of disease-resistant crop varieties. Unlike the past approach of relying on a single gene for immunity, TOMI focuses on integrating multiple genes (horizontal resistance) to improve tolerance to pathogens through various mechanisms.
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While disease symptoms may still appear, they are less severe and yield-limiting. This multi-gene resistance is more stable and makes it harder for pathogens to evolve renewed virulence.
Approaches for Disease-Resistant Organic Tomato Production
The TOMI project integrates three approaches to help organic growers produce disease-resistant tomatoes with exceptional flavor for the local marketplace.
1. Biological Control of Pathogens: Researchers are investigating the efficacy of biological controls for various fungal pathogens in tomatoes. They are also identifying soil properties, management practices, and organic amendments that promote disease-suppressive soils and enhance the effectiveness of applied fungicides.
2. Induced Systemic Resistance: Beneficial plant-microbial relationships that induce systemic resistance (ISR) in tomatoes are being identified. By transferring the genes responsible for robust ISR response into new tomato varieties, breeders aim to enhance resilience to multiple pathogens.
3. Variety Development: The TOMI project focuses on developing tomato varieties with stable disease resistance and excellent flavor. A farmer-participatory approach is employed, where selections are made from breeding populations grown in trials across the US in collaboration with growers.
Promising Results and Future Implications
The TOMI project has shown promising results in the development of disease-resistant and flavorful organic tomatoes. By harnessing the power of beneficial microbes and integrating multiple genes for resistance, researchers are striving to provide organic growers with varieties that can withstand a wide range of pathogens while delivering exceptional flavor.
This innovative approach holds promise for the future of organic tomato production and the satisfaction of consumers seeking high-quality, sustainable produce.