Research Confirms Exogenous Methyl Jasmonate Can Enhance Tomato Resistance

Feb 29, 2024

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the most widely cultivated and consumed horticultural crop. At present, saline-alkali is an important abiotic stress source that affects tomato production. Exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can enhance the resistance of tomatoes to various stresses, but its exact mechanism is still unclear.

Horticulture Research has now published new research titled "SlWRKY80-mediated jasmonic acid pathway positively regulates tomato resistance to saline-alkali stress by enhancing spermidine content and stabilizing Na⁺/K⁺ homeostasis."

In this study, researchers confirmed that 22.5 μmol/l MeJA could significantly improve the saline-alkali stress resistance of tomatoes. Saline-alkali stress increased the endogenous MeJA and jasmonic acid (JA) contents. Exogenous application of 22.5 μmol/l MeJA increased the endogenous MeJA and JA contents in tomato.

Furthermore, an important transcription factor, SlWRKY80, responded to MeJA and actively regulated tomato resistance to saline-alkali stress. Spraying of exogenous MeJA (22.5 μmol/l) reduced the sensitivity of SlWRKY80 knockout lines to saline-alkali stress.

The SlWRKY80 protein directly combines with the promoter of SlSPDS2 and SlNHX4 to positively regulate the transcription of SlSPDS2 and SlNHX4, thereby promoting the synthesis of spermidine and Na⁺/K⁺ homeostasis, actively regulating saline-alkali stress. The augmentation of JA content led to a notable reduction of 70.6% in the expression of SlJAZ1 and the release of the SlWRKY80 protein interacting with SlJAZ1.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.