Scientists Boost Tomato Resistance to Field Cold

Researchers at the Center for Research in Agrigenomics (CRAG) and the University of Barcelona have made a significant breakthrough in developing tomato varieties better adapted to cold climates. The study, led by scientists Albert Ferrer and Teresa Altabella and published in Plant Physiology, focused on enhancing the plant’s natural defense mechanisms.

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are highly sensitive to low temperatures due to their tropical origin. Their optimal growing range is between 20°C and 28°C, and exposure to temperatures below 10°C–12°C severely compromises their growth, development, and productivity in the field.

The CRAG team successfully identified and enhanced the levels of key molecules called glycosylated sterols (GS) in the tomato plant’s cell membranes. The research established that GS acts as a molecular sensor for cold stress. By increasing GS levels, the genetically modified plants:

1. Stabilize cell membranes, protecting them from damage caused by low temperatures.
2. Activate a complete molecular response, including hormonal signaling pathways and the activation of antioxidant enzymes and stress-defense genes.
3. Exhibit an earlier and stronger response to cold stress, preparing the plant to withstand the cold.

A crucial finding is that this genetic modification does not negatively affect the tomato plant’s growth or development under normal conditions.

This successful modification opens up new avenues for agriculture, as the new varieties could be grown in fields exposed to lower temperatures, leading to significant benefits in terms of yield and productivity in traditionally cooler growing regions.

Reference: Cuiyun Deng, Antoni Garcia-Molina, Aurelio Gómez-Cadenas, Vicente Vives-Peris, Rubén Alcázar, Albert Ferrer, Teresa Altabella, Glycosylated sterols enhance cold tolerance in tomato via membrane stabilization and jasmonate signaling, Plant Physiology, Volume 199, Issue 2, October 2025

Full text: DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiaf420