The lack of drought-tolerant crops is a significant

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the stated research gap and conclusions and future-work section of the source papers, classified as general, spanning 6 journals.

Supporting evidence — 8 representative gaps

• Lactic acid bacteria priming of antioxidant defense systems mitigates oxidative damage and preserves postharvest quality in tomato under drought stress (2026) · Scientific Reports · doi

  The postharvest integrity of tomato fruits is severely compromised by abiotic stresses, particularly drought. There is a need for sustainable and 'green' frameworks to enhance the economic value and nutritional longevity of horticultural crops.

  generalstated research gap
  Keywords: postharvest integrity tomato fruits severely compromised abiotic stresses
• Harnessing foliar-applied melatonin to improve yield and stress tolerance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under deficit irrigation (2026) · Frontiers in Plant Science · doi

  While this study demonstrates clear benefits for the ‘Alisa’ cultivar, further research is needed to evaluate the cultivar- dependent variability in MT responsiveness across the diverse genetic spectrum of tomato. In addition, further research is needed to elucidate the specific molecular and metabolic pathways under- lying in MT-mediated drought tolerance and to explore its integration with plant nutrition strategies for sustainable crop management.

  generalconclusionsevidence 5/5
  Keywords: cultivar further needed demonstrates clear bene alisa evaluate dependent variability responsiveness across diverse genetic spectrum
• Exploring genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in hybrids of tomato in Trans-Gangetic Plains region (2026) · Plant Science Today · doi

  The lack of sufficient genetic variability and effective selection of desirable quantitative traits hinders breeding programmes. The use of low-yielding cultivars and susceptibility to diseases and insect pests are major challenges in tomato production.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: lack sufficient genetic variability effective selection desirable quantitative
• Breeding drought-tolerant crops for sustainable agriculture (2026) · Agriculture & Food Security · doi

  The lack of drought-tolerant crops is a significant challenge in agriculture. Current breeding programs are not sufficient to address the issue of drought stress.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: lack drought-tolerant crops significant challenge agriculture current breeding
• Genetic dissection of cold stress tolerance and yield potential under cold stress in nested synthetic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) introgression libraries using multi-locus genome-wide association and haplotype analysis (2026) · Functional & Integrative Genomics · doi

  Further study is needed to validate the identified genetic factors and to develop cultivars with improved cold stress tolerance and yield potential. The use of genome-wide association and haplotype analysis can be applied to other crops to improve their stress tolerance and yield potential.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: further study needed validate identified genetic factors develop
• Genetic Variability, Trait Association, and Multi-Trait Selection of New Indeterminate Tomato Genotypes Under Protected Cultivation (2026) · Plants · doi

  There is a need to assess genetic variability and trait associations in indeterminate tomato genotypes. There is a need to identify superior genotypes for improved productivity in tomato cultivation.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: there need assess genetic variability trait associations indeterminate
• Exploring genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in hybrids of tomato in Trans-Gangetic Plains region (2026) · Plant Science Today · doi

  Future research should focus on multi-location trials to validate the stability of these traits across environments, as well as the integration of molecular markers to support selection and accelerate genetic improvement in tomato.

  generalconclusionsevidence 4/5
  Keywords: future focus multi location trials validate stability traits across environments well integration molecular markers support
• Reduced irrigation decreases the optimal nitrogen threshold of greenhouse tomatoes by altering gas exchange and stomatal morphology (2026) · Frontiers in Plant Science · doi

  Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of water-nitrogen interactions on tomato yield and photosynthetic physiological characteristics under different climate conditions. The development of more efficient irrigation and nitrogen fertilization strategies in greenhouse tomato production requires further research.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 4/5
  Keywords: further studies needed investigate effects water-nitrogen interactions tomato

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