Key gene enables tomato seed germination under high-temperature conditions

Researchers at University of Tsukuba have demonstrated that tomato mutants lacking the SlIAA9 gene, an auxin signaling repressor involved in the regulation of seed germination, not only retain high germination capacity under high-temperature conditions but also exhibit vigorous post-germination growth. Furthermore, the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying this enhanced heat resilience are elucidated. These findings offer new insights into the genetic improvement of heat-tolerant tomato varieties.