Morphoagronomic characterization and image-based herbivory analysis for pest resistance in dwarf tomato using artificial neural networks

Abstract

Dwarf tomato plants with optimized combining ability offer distinct advantages for hybrid development, including superior agronomic performance, fruit quality, and pest resistance. However, Santa Cruz-type dwarf tomato germplasm remains undercharacterized. This study evaluated morphological traits on seven populations of Santa Cruz-type dwarf tomatoes, the donor parent UFU MC TOM 1, the recurrent parent UFU-TOM-MOTHER-2, and the control cultivar Caniati. Additionally, the wild accession Solanum pennellii was included to quantify acylsugar content. Pest resistance was evaluated through acylsugar quantification and analyses of herbivory caused by Tuta absoluta and Liriomyza huidobrensis. Populations UFU-Sci#6.12-2.1.5, UFU-Sci#6.12-2.1.7, and UFU-Sc#8.3.2-2.1.2 emerged as superior, exhibiting elevated acylsugar levels, reduced pest damage, and improved fruit quality. Importantly, acylsugar content was strongly associated with increased pest resistance, particularly against T. absoluta and L. huidobrensis, mimicking the defensive profile of the wild S. pennellii accession. These findings support the development of pest-resilient, productive tomato cultivars aligned with sustainable agriculture goals.