European Consortium Launches Heat-Resilient Tomato Project
Five partners, coordinated by KeyGene, begin a four-year effort to breed tomatoes that tolerate heat and drought.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Botany
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Five European and international research partners have launched INPROBED, a four-year tomato research project coordinated by KeyGene and funded by the European Innovation Council Pathfinder programme. The project aims to breed tomatoes that tolerate heat and drought without losing yield.
Why it matters
Heat and drought are putting pressure on crop yields worldwide as more food is needed for a growing population. INPROBED's approach could help secure tomato supplies while also aiming to boost zinc, iron and provitamin D levels in the fruit.
The project targets validation of at least two multi-trait tomato lines at Technology Readiness Level 4 within four years, a prototype stage rather than a commercial product. Whether these lines will hold yield under heat and drought has not yet been reported.
The players
KeyGene
KeyGene is a plant genomics company that coordinates the INPROBED consortium and provides the project's genetic research expertise.
The details
INPROBED uses genome-wide sequencing and AI to identify active promoter switches in tomato plants under heat, drought and mineral deficiency. CRISPR-Cas gene editing is then used to make small, targeted adjustments to those switches, with the promoter-editing workflow designed to be transferable to other vegetables and crops.
Timeline
Four-year project period for the INPROBED research programme.
Big Picture
INPROBED is funded through the European Innovation Council Pathfinder programme, which backs early-stage, high-risk research rather than finished products. Its CRISPR-based promoter editing aims to speed up adaptation that nature or conventional breeding could eventually achieve on its own.
For now, the project affects researchers and breeders rather than shoppers, since its tomato lines are at prototype stage. Its open sharing of results through publications, webinars and workshops means growers and scientists can follow progress directly.
The takeaway
Breeding for resilience now draws on sequencing, AI and targeted gene editing together. Readers following food security should watch whether validated tomato lines hold their yield under heat and drought.
Further reading
For more on how plant science is tackling crop stress, explore the latest Botany coverage.
More information
Follow the INPROBED project official website for publications, webinars and workshop updates as results are shared.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Horti Daily.
Live Poll
Should governments fund research to make crops more resistant to heat and drought?
