Texas A&M AgriLife Research is a leader in developing higher quality, hardier tomatoes

In response to growing challenges in tomato production, Texas A&M AgriLife Research's Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center is leading efforts to develop and apply a systems-based approach to building a more sustainable and competitive tomato industry in the United States

AgriLife Research will receive an $8.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) and will spearhead a groundbreaking four-year, multi-institution collaborative project to develop resilient, high-quality tomato varieties.

The project, “Climate Resilient High-Quality Tomato Varieties for Sustainable Production,” is led by Bhimu Patil, Ph.D., a professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences and director of the university’s Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center. Patil is also the university's Regents Professor and Love Tito's Endowed Professor of Responsive Agriculture.

“The innovative work of Dr. Patil and his team will have a lasting impact on both the tomato industry and consumer health,” said G. Cliff Lamb, Ph.D., director of AgriLife Research. “This project will improve both the sensory qualities and health benefits of tomatoes.”

Industry challenges trigger tomato improvement project

Tomatoes are among the most widely grown, consumed and economically important horticultural crops in the U.S., but Patil said the industry faces challenges.

Efforts are needed to maintain the competitiveness of domestic production and develop resilience to the increasing frequency and severity of biotic and abiotic stresses while meeting consumer demands.

“This project idea emerged from extensive discussions with key industry stakeholders, consumers and retailers,” said Patil. “Our national survey identified critical priorities such as heat tolerance, water efficiency, taste, quality, human health properties and disease resistance. Through this grant, we will address these challenges and improve the overall quality of tomatoes, benefiting both producers and consumers.”

He said the team will produce advanced breeding lines of tomatoes that are better equipped to thrive in different growing environments while improving their taste, health benefits and shelf life.

Amit Dhingra, Ph.D., head of the Department of Horticultural Sciences, said the synergies created by collaborating with other participating institutions to implement the project will significantly benefit U.S. tomato production.

“The project will not only produce new tomato varieties, but also generate important data and tools that will benefit growers, farmers and consumers in Texas and the U.S. in the coming years,” Dhingra said.

He also noted that the project is in line with the department's ongoing efforts to support sustainability, well-being and food security.

Considering consumer preferences for tomatoes

Patil said one of the main objectives of the project is to address consumer dissatisfaction with the taste of tomatoes, which has contributed to a decline in consumption.

“The breeding programs will focus on improving not only the resilience of tomatoes, but also their taste, texture and aroma,” he said.

By producing tomatoes that are both nutritious and tasty, the project aims to drive consumer demand and support healthier eating habits.

A cross-institutional collaborative effort

Patil said the collaborative nature of this project will be critical to its success.

AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are joined by USDA's Agricultural Research Service, the University of Florida, Michigan State University, the University of California, Cornell University, the University of Arizona, the University of Washington and North Carolina State University. the University of Georgia and Oregon State University.

“Together, these institutions bring a wealth of expertise in tomato breeding, genomics, human health traits, physiology, nutrition and extension services,” Patil said.

Experts from five major tomato breeding programs will develop regionally adapted, disease-resistant tomato varieties with improved water use efficiency and heat tolerance. This systems-based approach will help meet the diverse needs of the industry in different US regions.

Industry support for the project

The project has already received enthusiastic support from industry leaders.

“As a specialty crop producer, I firmly believe that high-quality tomatoes will help stimulate the market and provide financial incentives to U.S. producers,” said Jimmie Bassetti, president and CEO of J&D Produce in Edinburgh. “It will also help deliver significant health benefits to consumers by ensuring they have access to flavorful, nutritious tomatoes.”

Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association in Mission, said the project's focus on water efficiency and heat tolerance is critical to improving the overall quality and sustainability of tomatoes.

“These strategies will have a lasting impact on producers, traders, processors and retailers across the country,” Galeazzi said.

Developing a sustainable future for agriculture

Patil said the need to produce resilient, high-quality agricultural crops has never been greater.

“This USDA-funded project is an essential step toward building a more sustainable and competitive tomato industry in the U.S.,” he said. “By using a systems-based approach that incorporates cutting-edge genomics, breeding techniques and consumer insights, the project will provide valuable solutions to the critical challenges facing the tomato industry.”