Summary
This review synthesises current knowledge on how tomato plants respond to drought stress at multiple biological levels, from physiological changes in root and leaf structure through biochemical adjustments in osmolytes and antioxidants to molecular mechanisms and underlying genetic control. It identifies key genes, metabolic pathways and molecular markers relevant to drought tolerance, and evaluates both conventional and novel gene-editing breeding approaches alongside agronomic techniques for improving drought resilience in Mediterranean production systems.
Regional applicability
Although focused on Mediterranean contexts where water scarcity is particularly pressing, the physiological and genetic mechanisms identified in tomato are likely relevant to United Kingdom production under changing climate conditions, particularly as summers become hotter and drier. The breeding strategies and molecular markers discussed could support development of more resilient varieties suited to UK conditions.
Key measures
Physiological responses (root architecture, leaf morphology, stomatal regulation); biochemical responses (osmotic adjustments, antioxidant regulation, hormonal regulation); genetic traits and responsive genes; metabolic pathways; molecular markers for assisted selection; growing systems and techniques; breeding methods.
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises mechanisms of drought tolerance in tomato across physiological, biochemical and molecular levels, including root architecture, osmotic adjustment, hormonal regulation, antioxidant defences, leaf morphology and stomatal responses. It identifies major genetic traits, responsive genes, metabolic pathways and molecular markers for drought stress tolerance, and evaluates breeding and growing techniques for drought mitigation.
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