Research Projects

The study aims to understand the defense response of resistant tomato plants to soil-borne vascular pathogens, such as R. solanacearum, by conducting a multi-omics study. The research reveals that H7996 cultivar responds to R. solanacearum invasion by depositing suberin and its associated hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAA) in the vasculature, acting as a physical barrier and preventing cell wall degradation by pathogenic enzyme hydrolysis. However, the mechanisms regulating this defense response are not well understood. The study also reveals that suberin plays multiple roles in diverse stresses, and the identification of genetic regulators controlling suberization opens up opportunities for engineering resilience in crops. Suberin-associated HCAAs provide physical strength and act as an antimicrobial barrier. The study found that constitutive overexpression of the HCAA gene SlTHT 1-3 gene in susceptible tomato background could impart resistance to R. solanacearum and showed drought tolerance, indicating the potential of this pathway for imparting broad-spectrum tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. To maximize the use of this pathway for biotechnological interventions, strategies need to be developed for tissue-specific expression of suberin and HCAA genetic regulators at the targeted site. The hypothesis is that expression of suberin and HCAA regulators at root vasculature of susceptible tomatoes would restrict horizontal colonization, preventing wilt disease, and imparting drought tolerance. The study will also screen transgenic lines for colonization patterns and wilt disease development.