Ascorbic acid (AsA) is an essential multifaceted phytonutrient for both the human diet and plant growth. Optimum levels of AsA accumulation combined with balanced redox homeostasis are required for normal plant development and defense response to adverse environmental stimuli. Notwithstanding its moderate AsA levels, tomatoes constitute a good source of vitamin C in the human diet. Therefore, the enhancement of AsA levels in tomato fruit attracts considerable attention, not only to improve its nutritional value but also to stimulate stress tolerance. Genetic regulation of AsA concentrations in plants can be achieved through the fine-tuning of biosynthetic, recycling, and transport mechanisms; it is also linked to changes in the whole fruit metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests that tomato synthesizes AsA mainly through the l-galactose pathway, but alternative pathways through d-galacturonate or myo-inositol, or seemingly unrelated transcription and regulatory factors, can be also relevant in certain developmental stages or in response to abiotic factors. Considering the recent advances in our understanding of AsA regulation in model and other non-model species, this review attempts to link the current consensus with novel technologies to provide a comprehensive strategy for AsA enhancement in tomatoes, without any detrimental effect on plant growth or fruit development.
Keywords: ascorbate; biofortification; environmental stimuli; ethylene; genetic modifications; plant stress; postharvest.