CPSBB is the coordinator of the SOLGENSYS project

Scientists study which genes and genomic traits influence the quantity and quality of tomato fruits, especially when the plants are exposed to adverse conditions such as drought and high soil salinity. The goal is to identify the key genetic factors that help tomatoes cope with stress while still producing high-quality yields. These findings will serve as a foundation for developing tomato varieties more resilient to the climate challenges of the 21st century.

Modern high-tech methods will be used to analyze how genes function and are regulated, which substances accumulate in the plants, and how they respond to stress conditions. By integrating all this information, scientists will be able to link specific genetic factors to observable traits of tomatoes, such as yield, flavor, and fruit quality.

The project is carried out within a consortium of eight research institutions and companies from Bulgaria – CPSBB and “Maritsa” Vegetable Crops Research Institute (MVCRI), Ireland (“BioAtlantis”), the Netherlands (“Enza Zaden”), Romania (“Hectar”), Italy (University of Turin), France (French National Center for Scientific Research, CNRS), and Argentina (National University of Rosario).

The project is funded by Horizon Europe: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Grant Agreement: 101299564