Abstract

Differential Modulation of Metabolite Clusters in Tomato Genotypes Grown in Different Production Ecosystems

Autar Mattoo, Research Plant Physiologist, USDA Agricultural Research Service

Bioactive nutrients including vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, isothyocyanates, polyphenols and minerals contribute to the antioxidative capacity of vegetables, fruits, nuts and various herbs, have great potential in preventing cancers and other human diseases. However, there is a paucity of unambiguous information on the quantity of specific nutrient levels in different edible crops/herbs and their potential as pro-health factors. We employed precision-based genetic manipulation to simultaneously increase nutrient levels and enhance shelf-life using tomato as a model. To provide an index of cellular metabolism, levels of nutritional molecules including the AMINOME (collectively amino acids and polyamines), carotenoids, flavonoids, omega fatty acids, carbohydrates, organic acids and energy metabolites were quantified in 6 novel tomato genotypes. We assessed the impact and compatibility of a reduced-till cover crop hairy vetch, rye mulch and conventional black polyethylene based production systems on metabolome of these novel transgenic lines. Genotype-specific and production system-based segregation of metabolomic variables were characterized. Our studies demonstrate that genetically engineered tomato lines are compatible with leguminous cover crop mulch system, with quantitative increase in value-added traits in an economically beneficial manner. These features of nutritional enhancement, longer postharvest life, lower production costs and cleaner environment provide a paradigm for sustainable crop production.