Pectic enzymes as potential enhancers of ascorbic acid production through the D-galacturonate pathway in Solanaceae

•The tomato introgression line IL12-4-SL has high levels of ascorbate in the fruit.•Genes coding for pectic enzymes were identified in the introgressed region 12-4-SL.•The identified pectic enzymes affect the D-galacturonate pathway in tomato fruits.•There is a correlation between pectic enzymes activity and ascorbic acid content.•Pectic enzymes enhance ascorbate production in Solanaceae.