Physiological and genetic changes associated to vascular wilt of tomato caused by Fusarium: an updated review

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a worldwide commercially important grown vegetable. Tomato plants are infected by different soil-borne pathogens that affect morphology, physiology, biochemistry and genetic regulation of plants. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) is the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of tomato and causes significant yield losses-up to 60%- in tomato crops. This review presents the physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms undertaken in the tomato-Fol interaction. The co-evolution between plants and pathogens has allowed the development of an immune system to protect plants against the pathogen invasion, while pathogens implement strategies to overcome plant defense responses. Physiological consequences of F. oxysporum infection include responses to water deficit, regulation of stomatal conductance, influence on photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll content. These physiological and molecular changes can be, at least, partially explained by the activation of different processes, such as oxidative responses, secondary metabolites production and induction of hormone signal pathways, as part of a complex biochemical network activated during the infection