Adaptation and Mitigation of High Temperature Stress in Tomato

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) holds considerable economic significance as a vegetable crop globally, ranking second in both cultivated area and production worldwide. Optimal growth conditions for tomatoes typically fall within the temperature range of 25°C - 30°C during the day and around 20°C at night. However, deviations from these thresholds can lead to irreversible damage to plant growth and development. To counteract the adverse effects of high temperatures, tomato plants employ various adaptive mechanisms involving physiological, morphological, anatomical, and biochemical changes. Efforts to enhance thermotolerance in tomatoes encompass a range of strategies, including agronomic practices, the application of growth regulators and fertilizers to induce acclimation responses, breeding programs aimed at developing heat-resistant cultivars, and genetic modification. Various other methods are also employed to mitigate the impacts of high-temperature stress on plants, such as pretreating seeds with low concentrations of inorganic salts, applying osmoprotectants and signaling molecules through foliar sprays, and subjecting plants to preconditioning measures. These approaches facilitate stress avoidance and foster the development of inherent mechanisms for high-temperature tolerance in plants.