Overexpression of Leads to Altered Root Biomass and Architecture in Tomato ()

The Heat shock proteins 90 family plays pivotal roles in root growth and plant development. Its isoforms have been identified in several plant species with transcripts presents in almost all stages of plant growth. However, its functional relevance has not been completely established. Therefore, in this study, we provide evidence about the role of in tomato () root development. Using tomato cultivars with differing root phenotypes, we have shown that transcripts are in accordance with root architecture, i.e. high rooting cultivars had more expression of as compared to low rooting cultivars. Moreover, overexpression of gene in transgenic tomato plants showed significant increase in root biomass and architecture, as evident from the analysis of fresh and dry weights of root and shoot samples, primary root length and length and number of lateral roots. The transgenic lines are also more tolerant to salinity and drought stresses. The results of the present study suggest that genetic manipulation of homologs in other crops can offer promising leads to develop plant with better root biomass and architecture and improved agronomics traits, like better water and mineral absorption, salinity and drought tolerance potential.