Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in the service of biotechnology

Originating in the Andes, the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was imported to Europe in the 16th century. At present, it is an important crop plant cultivated all over the world, and its production and consumption continue to increase. This popular vegetable is known as a major source of important nutrients including lycopene, beta-carotene, flavonoids and vitamin C as well as hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. Since the discovery that lycopene has anti-oxidative, anti-cancer properties, interest in tomatoes has grown rapidly. The development of genetic engineering tools and plant biotechnology has opened great opportunities for engineering tomato plants. This review presents examples of successful tissue culture and genetically modified tomatoes which resistance to a range of environmental stresses improved, along with fruit quality. Additionally, a successful molecular farming model was established.