Roles of jasmonates in tomato growth, development and defense

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), one of the most important vegetable crop species, is popular worldwide due to its richness of nutrients and flavors. It also serves as a classic model plant species for investigating the mechanisms of plant growth, development, and defense processes. Jasmonates (JAs) are well characterized as defense phytohormones involved in the regulation of plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and also play indispensable key roles in controlling plant growth and development. Here, we summarize the recent progress in understanding JA function in governing tomato growth and development (e.g., leaf senescence, trichome formation, flower development and fertility, and fruit development and quality), secondary metabolism, and defense against stresses (e.g., drought, heat, cold, insects, nematodes, and pathogens).