Tailoring the Tomato Genome for NextGen Agriculture gives a comprehensive view of the modern revolution in tomato breeding—bridging classical genetics with modern molecular and data-driven innovations. Drawing on global germplasm resources from institutions such as the Tomato Genetics Resource Center (UC Davis) and USDA-GRIN, the book highlights how next-generation technologies are reshaping the improvement of one of the world’s most important crops.
Eleven expert-authored chapters explore topics including genome editing (CRISPR/Cas), high-throughput phenotyping, genomic and marker-assisted selection, integrated data platforms like Tomato BreedBase, and breeding for fruit quality, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, and controlled-environment agriculture. Each chapter combines theory, methodology, and real-world application—offering readers both depth and practical insight.
Intended for researchers, academics, graduate students, and professionals in plant breeding and biotechnology, this book serves as both a technical reference and a visionary roadmap for sustainable tomato improvement. It illustrates how future tomato breeding will advance global food security, climate resilience, and consumer satisfaction through data-driven, sustainable innovation.
Tailoring the Tomato Genome for NextGen Agriculture gives a comprehensive view of the modern revolution in tomato breeding—bridging classical genetics with modern molecular and data-driven innovations.
Germplasm Management at the National and International Levels. Gene
Regulation and its Application in Economically Important Traits in Tomato
Breeding Program. Next-generation Sequencing and its use in Tomato
Improvement. RNA-sequencing Analysis and its Application in Tomato
Improvement. Single Platform for Data Acquisition and Data Analysis: Anas
Example of TomatoBreedBase. High throughput Genotyping and its Application in
Tomato Improvement. Allele Mining for the Improvement of Tomatoes. Genetic
Engineering for the Improvement of Tomatoes. Genome Editing and its
Application in Tomato Improvement. Status of Breeding for Biotic Resistance
in Tomato. Status of Breeding for Abiotic Tolerance in Tomato. Fruit Quality
in Tomato. Vertical Farming for Tomato. Breeding Tomatoes for Organic
Production.
Dr. Dilip R. Panthee is an Associate Professor and Tomato Breeder at the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University (NCSU). His expertise is in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, QTL mapping, molecular marker development, and marker-assisted selection. His tomato breeding program uses conventional and molecular breeding approaches to improve tomato disease resistance, yield, and fruit quality. He has released 13 hybrid tomato cultivars and 19 tomato breeding lines. He has published over 95 journal articles, 10 book chapters, and more than 85 abstracts and research reports. He has mentored tens of graduate students, Post-Doctoral Research Scientists, Research Scholars, and Visiting Scientists. He has received ten professional awards for contributing to the scientific community, including the Fulbright Specialist Award, Julian C. Miller Sr. Distinguished Research Award, and Vegetable Breeding Excellence Award.
Prof. Chittaranjan Kole is an internationally renowned academician with a spectacular professional career spanning over 40 years. His life-time original scientific contributions, specifically in the the fields of Plant Genomics and Biotechnology have been globally appreciated. His scholarly publications include 170 research articles mostly published in peer-reviewed international journals, 35 book chapters, and over 200 books with globally-reputed publishers. His academic contributions have been profusely appreciated by seven Noble Laureates. His research contribitions have been recognized with several international awards and fellowships. Prof. Kole has worked as a faculty member, Head of Department, Dean or Vice Chancellor in three universities in India and as Visiting Professor in three universities in the USA. Currently, Prof. Kole is acting as the Founding President of the Genome India International and also of two other international organizations including International Climate Resilient Crop Genomics Cosnsortium and International Consortium on Phytomedomics and Nutriomics.
