Scientists Successfully sequenced the Genomes of Tomato

Scientists at the Tomato Genome Consortium (TGC) successfully sequenced the genomes of tomato. It will increase the vegetable’s production worldwide and decrease its price. It took seven years for the scientists to crack the genome. Indian scientists were also the part of the research. National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, The University of Delhi (South Campus) and the Indian Agriculture Research Institute under the auspices of the Indian Initiative on Tomato Genome Sequencing participated in the TGC.

At present, Indian scientists are trying to develop tomatoes that can remain fresh for 15-30 days in normal weather conditions.The sequences provide a detailed overview of the tomato genome, revealing the orientation, order, types and relative positions of their 35000 genes. The sequences will help scientists decode the relationships between tomato genes and traits. It will also increase their understanding of genetic and environmental factors that play an important role to determine a field crop's health and viability.

The Department of Biotechnology funded the Indian initiative and it was supported by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research.