Editing strigolactone biosynthesis genes in tomato reveals novel phenotypic effects and highlights D27 as a breeding target for parasitic weed resistance.
Nicolia A, Cuccurullo A, Tamada K, Yoneyama K, Rambla JL
Crispr
If you've ever grown tomatoes near fields plagued by broomrape — a rootless parasite that latches onto tomato roots and can wipe out an entire crop — this research points toward a variety that could defend itself without pesticides or yield penalties.
Tomato plants naturally release chemical signals into the soil that tell certain parasitic weeds it's safe to sprout and attach to nearby roots. Researchers used a precise gene-editing tool to switch off the genes responsible for making those signals, and the weeds simply didn't germinate. One particular gene tweak, targeting a gene called D27, was especially promising because the tomatoes still grew normally, set fruit, and ripened well — the plant apparently has a backup version of the gene that covers most normal functions.
Key Findings
Knockout of the SlD27 gene reduced strigolactone levels in root exudates to undetectable levels, causing a strong reduction in in vitro germination of Phelipanche (broomrape) seeds and confirmed reduced parasitism in live plant trials.
Editing SlD27 produced only mild phenotypic changes compared to unedited controls — vegetative growth, fruit set, and fruit quality were largely unaffected — unlike knockouts of SlCCD7, SlCCD8, and SlMAX1, which altered shoot architecture, fruit development, and volatile aroma compounds during ripening.
All four edited gene lines (SlD27, SlCCD7, SlCCD8, SlMAX1) were generated in the same genetic background, allowing direct comparison; the study is the first to comprehensively evaluate all four SL biosynthesis genes side-by-side in tomato for both weed resistance and agronomic traits.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists used gene editing to disable the chemical signals tomato plants send underground that trigger parasitic weeds to sprout. One edited gene in particular — SlD27 — reduced weed germination dramatically while leaving the tomato plant itself looking and producing nearly normally.
Abstract Preview
Parasitic weed infestations represent an increasing threat to agriculture worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean region. Phelipanche ramosa (L.) and Phelipanche aegyptiaca (Pers.) (broomrapes) ...
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The tomato is a plant whose fruit is an edible berry that is eaten as a vegetable. The tomato is a member of the nightshade family that includes tobacco, potato, and chili peppers. It originated from western South America, and may have been domesticated there, in Mexico, or in Central America. Th...