Strategies to Boost Heat Tolerance in Tomato: Adapting to Rising Temperatures

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most important vegetable crops worldwide, ranking second in both cultivation area and production. Tomatoes grow best at temperatures between 25–30°C during the day and around 20°C at night. However, higher temperatures can seriously damage their growth and development. To survive heat stress, tomatoes adapt by making various changes in their physiology, structure, and biochemistry. Improving their tolerance to high temperatures can be achieved through different methods. These include better farming practices, using growth regulators and fertilizers, breeding heat-resistant varieties, and genetic modification. Simple strategies like treating seeds with low doses of inorganic salts before sowing, spraying plants with osmoprotectants or signaling molecules, and preconditioning plants can also help reduce the harmful effects of heat stress. These methods help tomatoes avoid stress and develop natural mechanisms to tolerate high temperatures.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788199956032.2026.25-40