Identification of tomato genes and networks for resistance to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus, which threatens tomato production worldwide

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Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a whitefly transmitted geminivirus, threatens tomato cultivation worldwide. A tomato line resistant to TYLCV has been developed by classical breeding, using the wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites as resistance source. The molecular basis of resistance is unknown. We wish to identify the genes and defense signalling pathways underlying resistance to TYLCV infection. Our working hypotheses are: 1) genes for TYLCV resistance have been introgressed from the wild tomato species; 2) resistance is sustained by networks of genes that interrelate by positive and negative signals with known stress response pathways; 3) genes preferentially expressed in the resistant line are likely to be part of this network; 4) silencing of genes located at important nodes of the network should lead to the collapse of resistance. The main objectives of our research project are: 1) discovery of genes related to TYLCV resistance and confirmation by gene silencing; 2) description of the gene network underlying resistance to TYLCV and its cross-talk with stress response pathways. This project will be instrumental in strengthening the cooperation between Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian scientists and will greatly advance our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions.