Editing strigolactone biosynthesis genes in tomato reveals novel phenotypic effects and highlights D27 as a key target for parasitic weed resistance

Abstract

Parasitic weed infestations pose an increasing threat to agriculture worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean region. Phelipanche ramosa and P. aegyptiaca (broomrapes) cause severe damage to field-grown tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Strigolactones (SLs), apocarotenoid phytohormones, play a critical role in plant physiology and development, and are also the primary signals that trigger the germination of parasitic weed seeds. We generated CRISPR/Cas9 tomato knock-out lines for the SlD27 gene, as well as three other key genes involved in SL biosynthesis (SlCCD7, SlCCD8, SlMAX1), all within the same genetic background. The edited lines exhibited a marked reduction in SL content in root exudates, along with impaired broomrape seed germination. A comprehensive analysis of morphological, reproductive, and fruit-related traits revealed gene-specific effects on plant phenotype, including vegetative traits, fruit set, fruit development, and volatilome. Specifically, the knock-out of two CCDs and the MAX1 had a specific impact not only on plant development but also on the production of volatile organic compounds during fruit ripening. In contrast, the Sld27 lines, produced for the first time in this study, displayed a phenotype similar to the control non-edited plants, suggesting that the D27 gene holds promise as a breeding target for enhancing resistance to parasitic weeds in tomato. HighlightThe characterization of tomato CRISPR/Cas9-edited lines for the four core genes involved in strigolactone biosynthesis revealed gene-specific effects on plant phenotype, with D27 emerging as a potential target for resistance to parasitic weeds.