Functional Analysis of NLR Genes in Tomato Resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum

Abstract

Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) genes are central to plant immunity. This study identified and functionally validated four NLR candidate genes involved in tomato resistance to bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum). CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts and overexpression lines were used to study gene function.
Knockout lines showed increased wilt incidence and reduced hypersensitive response, while overexpression improved resistance without growth penalties. Transcriptome data confirmed activation of downstream defense pathways. This research advances our understanding of innate immunity and informs breeding for durable resistance.