Tomato transcriptomic response to Tuta absoluta infestation

Abstract Background The South America pinworm, Tuta absoluta , is a destructive pest of tomato that causes important losses worldwide. Breeding resistant/tolerant cultivars could be an effective strategy for T. management but, despite the economic importance tomato, very limited information available about its response to this treat. To elucidate defense mechanisms herbivore feeding comparative analysis was performed between tolerant and susceptible cultivated at both morphological transcriptome level highlight constitutive leaf barriers, molecular biochemical counter effect attack. Results genotype showed enhanced barrier possibly as result higher density trichomes increased inducible reactions upon mild infestation thanks activation/repression key transcription factors regulating genes involved in cuticle formation cell wall strength well antinutritive enzymes, production chemical toxins bioactive secondary metabolites. Conclusions Overall, our findings suggest resilience pinworm achieved by combined induced system. A well-orchestrated modulation plant regulation ensure trade-off needs fitness costs. Our finding can further exploited developing cultivars, acting component integrated more sustainable production.