The objective of this work was to quantify zingiberene contents in a segregating population (F2) of the second backcross generation to Lycopersicon esculentum after the initial cross with the wild species L. hirsutum var. hirsutum, and to analyse the relationship between zingiberene and both glandular trichome density on tomato leaves and levels of repellence to spider mites Tetranychus evansi. A spectrophotometric assay was used to quantify zingiberene in leaf disks. Trichome counting was made in paradermic preparations of leaf and mite repellence was accessed by a quick thumbtack assay. Indirect selection for high zingiberene contents increased both glandular trichome density and the level of mite repellence. Zingiberene in glandular trichomes therefore mediates mite repellence in the tomato population. Glandular trichome densities, especially that of type VI trichomes, were highly and positively correlated with zingiberene contents. High zingiberene levels and their relationship with both glandular trichome densities and resistance (repellence) to spider mites remained significant after two backcross generations, indicating an indirect selection for high zingiberene as an effective way of selecting mite resistant tomato genotypes.
Lycopersicon hirsutum; Lycopersicon esculentum; sesquiterpene; spider mites
