Work

A Roadmap for Breeding Sweet Tomatoes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Sweetness is the most important determinant of the overall desirability of tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) fruits. In cultivated tomatoes, sweetness is mainly determined by the contents of fructose and glucose, which are the major carbohydrates in the fruits. In recent years, many key regulators of sugar accumulation in tomato fruit, including sugar metabolism enzymes, sugar transporters, transcription factors, and protein kinases, have been identified through map‐based cloning, genome‐wide association studies, and reverse genetics. A growing number of studies have also indicated that aromatic volatiles, such as apocarotenoid‐ and phenylalanine‐derived volatiles (PHEVs), can improve tomato sweetness independently of sugar content. In this perspective, we summarise recent advances in our understanding of sugar metabolism in tomatoes and discuss progress in identifying aromatic substances that can affect tomato sweetness. We also discuss challenges in increasing tomato sweetness and propose new breeding strategies to further improve sugar content and sweetness in tomatoes.

Source: Modern Agriculture

DOI: 10.1002/moda.70040

Authors: Jie Chen, Hongjun Lyu, Jinzhe Zhang

Institutions: Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers

Language: English

Topic: Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life Management

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,750