Individual Tomato Research Articles

A logistic model for precise tomato fruit-growth prediction based on diameter-time evolution

Monitoring tomato fruit growth in large greenhouse environments is crucial for estimating harvest volume and maximising labour efficiency. Mathematical modelling is commonly used to characterise crop and fruit growth and to understand crop responses to environmental influences. This study presents a logistic approach for estimating tomato fruit maturity based on fruit diameter. A set of logistic models were evaluated, and their precision and ability to forecast tomato fruit growth were analysed. Non-linear least square regression was used to fit each model to individual tomato fruits from a sample of over 600 fruits of two species (small and large fruit-bearing tomatoes) grown within one year. The focus was on fruit diameter and the necessary measurement precision for fruit maturity estimation. Low-dispersion variables were identified within our logistic model functions, and fruit species-specific model parameters were determined. Furthermore, we reduced the number of regression variables by identifying parameters of low variance. This allowed for high prediction precision (>80%) at the early fruit maturity stages (<30%). The fruit diameter data were collected manually using a caliper. Our results establish an upper limit for the measurement precision of automated fruit size estimation approaches utilising photogrammetry, with an optical range of 98% for 3 mm and 90% for 5 mm precision.

Dynamic Compressive Stress Relaxation Model of Tomato Fruit Based on Long Short-Term Memory Model.

Tomatoes are prone to mechanical damage due to improper gripping forces during automated harvest and postharvest processes. To reduce this damage, a dynamic viscoelastic model based on long short-term memory (LSTM) is proposed to fit the dynamic compression stress relaxation characteristics of the individual fruit. Furthermore, the classical stress relaxation models involved, the triple-element Maxwell and Caputo fractional derivative models, are compared with the LSTM model to validate its performance. Meanwhile, the LSTM and classical stress relaxation models are used to predict the stress relaxation characteristics of tomato fruit with different fruit sizes and compression positions. The results for the whole test dataset show that the LSTM model achieves a RMSE of 2.829×10-5 Mpa and a MAPE of 0.228%. It significantly outperforms the Caputo fractional derivative model by demonstrating a substantial enhancement with a 37% decrease in RMSE and a 36% reduction in MAPE. Further analysis of individual tomato fruit reveals the LSTM model's performance, with the minimum RMSE recorded at the septum position being 3.438×10-5 Mpa, 31% higher than the maximum RMSE at the locule position. Similarly, the lowest MAPE at the septum stands at 0.375%, outperforming the highest MAPE at the locule position by a significant margin of 90%. Moreover, the LSTM model consistently reports the smallest discrepancies between the predicted and observed values compared to classical stress relaxation models. This accuracy suggests that the LSTM model could effectively supplant classical stress relaxation models for predicting stress relaxation changes in individual tomato fruit.

The phytochemicals, antioxidant activities and nutritive qualities of some selected tomato pastes sold in Umuahia Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria

Tomato paste contains antioxidant compounds which act against free radical actions in the body and prevents oxidative damage and boost the physiological health of consumers. However, information on the phytochemicals, antioxidant activities and nutritive qualities of tomato pastes sold in Umuahia Metropolis is scarce. This work was undertaken to fill this gap on five selected commercial tomato pastes sold in Umuahia Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria namely, Sonia (SON), Gento (GEN), Superdelicieux (SUP), Star (STA) and Clappa (CLA). The physicochemical and antioxidant activity parameters were determined by standard methods. The results showed that lycopene (4.20 mg 100g‒1 ), vitamin C (12.76 mg 100g‒1 ) and vitamin A (1.43 mg 100g‒1 ) were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in STA tomato paste. β-carotene (3.02 mg 100g‒1 ) and vitamin E (11.14 mg 100g‒1 ) were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in CLA tomato paste, while phenol was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in SUP tomato paste. The chemical composition revealed that total solid ranged from 28.91 (STA) to 31.67% (SON), reducing sugar ranged from 8.78 (SUP) to 16.16% (CLA), while titratable acidity ranged from 0.21 (SON) to 0.31% (GEN) and pH ranged from 4.27 (CLA) to 4.47 (STA), respectively. Minerals concentration for Ca ranged from 1.79 (CLA) to 2.86 mg 100g‒1 (SON), Mg from 8.57 (SON) to 13.61 mg 100g‒1 (STA), K from 7.81 (SON) to 30.44 mg 100g‒1 (STA), Na from 12.21 (STA) to 15.59 mg 100g‒1 (CLA) and Fe from 0.82 (STA) to 1.89 mg 100g‒1 (SON). Stronger antioxidant activity was observed in SON paste for 1,1- diphenyl-2-picryl (DPPH) (62.07%), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) (41%) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) (47.88%). The results revealed that concentration of nutritive quality was specific to individual tomato paste, but SON possessed stronger antioxidant activity scavenging power than other tomato pastes. From the results of physicochemical and antioxidant activity of these tomato pastes, they may be used to boost physiological performance against degenerative diseases.

Impacts of black soldier fly, (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larval frass on tomato production.

The "insects as food and feed" movement is gaining considerable momentum as a novel means to provide protein to people (i.e., food) and other animals (i.e., feed). Insects require significantly fewer resources, such as water and land, to produce, process, and distribute as a food or feed source. While the production of insect biomass has received considerable attention for use as food or feed, little is known about the value of the residual materials remaining after digestion. One insect, the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), can generate large quantities of residual (i.e., frass) that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These materials could serve as a partial replacement for fertilizer or peat, thus creating added value to the insects as food and feed sector. Greenhouse studies were designed to investigate the use of frass in vegetable production. In pot studies with tomatoes, different ratios of peat:vermicompost and peat:insect frass were compared to a 100% peat control. Across all other parameters, tomato fruits and vegetative biomass did not produce significant differences across treatments, indicating results were comparable to the control (i.e., 100% peat). Thus, replacing peat with black soldier fly frass is a viable option and could allow for the peat industry to become more sustainable and regenerative. However, it should be noted that average individual tomato fruit weight was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (by 19%) in the vermicompost 10% treatment compared to the control, which did not differ from treatments including black soldier fly frass.

Effect of water-saving technologies on productivity and profitability of tomato cultivation in Galapagos, Ecuador

We tested the effect of two water-saving systems (Groasis Waterboxx® and Hydrogel polymer), compared with conventional drip irrigation, on the productivity, profitability, and water efficiency of greenhouse tomato cultivation in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. We measured the weight and volume of individual tomato fruits, along with biweekly production, over a typical growing cycle, and found that tomatoes grown with water-saving systems were significantly heavier and larger than those produced with conventional drip irrigation, which led to a 28% average increase in tomato production using both technologies. compared to drip irrigation, Groasis and Hydrogel also reduced water use by 71 and 48%, respectively. While both systems yielded a net profit, using Hydrogel was 51% more profitable than conventional drip irrigation. Water-saving systems such as Groasis and Hydrogel may provide more sustainable solutions for profitable tomato cultivation in environments with low annual rainfall and limited access to irrigation water, such as the Galapagos Islands.

Towards autonomous cross-pollination: Portable multi-classification system for in situ growth monitoring of tomato flowers

A fundamental step towards an autonomous cross-pollination process for tomato plants involves classifying tomato flowers in line with their maturity. This paper is concerned with the development of a novel, portable, and deep learning enabled multi-classification system for classifying maturity levels of tomato flowers. The multi-class classification is powered by individual tomato flower images. As a dataset with individual tomato flowers is currently unavailable commercially, a dataset with more than 2000 images was created ensuring diversity among maturity levels and several other factors. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was trained and tested with this dataset to be integrated with a feasible technology to institute portability in the system. Given the common use of smartphones, an Android based mobile application was developed to enable portable access to the neural network. A user would be able to capture or insert a tomato flower image and receive the predicted level of maturity using the mobile application. Rigorous testing show that the portable system generates comprehensive predictions reflecting the 75% classification accuracy possessed by the neural network. This paper also highlights the introductory work leading to the above-mentioned initiatives, culminated with future work paving the way towards autonomous tomato flower cross-pollination.

Experimental data manipulations to assess performance of hyperspectral classification models of crop seeds and other objects

BackgroundOptical sensing solutions are being developed and adopted to classify a wide range of biological objects, including crop seeds. Performance assessment of optical classification models remains both a priority and a challenge.MethodsAs training data, we acquired hyperspectral imaging data from 3646 individual tomato seeds (germination yes/no) from two tomato varieties. We performed three experimental data manipulations: (1) Object assignment error: effect of individual object in the training data being assigned to the wrong class. (2) Spectral repeatability: effect of introducing known ranges (0–10%) of stochastic noise to individual reflectance values. (3) Size of training data set: effect of reducing numbers of observations in training data. Effects of each of these experimental data manipulations were characterized and quantified based on classifications with two functions [linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and support vector machine (SVM)].ResultsFor both classification functions, accuracy decreased linearly in response to introduction of object assignment error and to experimental reduction of spectral repeatability. We also demonstrated that experimental reduction of training data by 20% had negligible effect on classification accuracy. LDA and SVM classification algorithms were applied to independent validation seed samples. LDA-based classifications predicted seed germination with RMSE = 10.56 (variety 1) and 26.15 (variety 2), and SVM-based classifications predicted seed germination with RMSE = 10.44 (variety 1) and 12.58 (variety 2).ConclusionWe believe this study represents the first, in which optical seed classification included both a thorough performance evaluation of two separate classification functions based on experimental data manipulations, and application of classification models to validation seed samples not included in training data. Proposed experimental data manipulations are discussed in broader contexts and general relevance, and they are suggested as methods for in-depth performance assessments of optical classification models.

Prediction of Harvest Time of Tomato Using Mask R-CNN

In recent years, the agricultural field has been confronting difficulties such as the aging of farmers, a shortage of workers, and difficulties for new farmers. Harvesting time prediction has the potential to solve these problems, and is expected to effectively utilize human resources, save labor, and reduce labor costs. To achieve harvesting time prediction, various works are being actively conducted. Methods for harvesting time prediction using meteorological information such as temperature and solar radiation, etc., and methods for harvesting time prediction using neural networks based on color information from fruit bunch images are being investigated. However, the prediction accuracy is still insufficient, and the harvesting time prediction for individual tomato fruits has not been studied. In this study, we propose a novel method to predict the harvesting time for individual tomato fruits. The method uses Mask R-CNN to detect tomato bunches and uses two types of ripeness determination to predict the harvesting time of individual tomato fruits. The experimental results showed that the accuracy of the prediction using the ratio of R values was better for the harvesting time prediction of tomatoes that are close to the harvesting time, and the accuracy of the prediction using the average of the differences between R and G in RGB values was better for the harvesting time prediction of tomatoes that are far from the harvesting time. These results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Development of a measurement system for temperature of individual tomato

Development of a measurement system for temperature of individual tomato

Detecting Plant Stress Using Thermal and Optical Imagery From an Unoccupied Aerial Vehicle.

Soil and water salinization has global impact on the sustainability of agricultural production, affecting the health and condition of staple crops and reducing potential yields. Identifying or developing salt-tolerant varieties of commercial crops is a potential pathway to enhance food and water security and deliver on the global demand for an increase in food supplies. Our study focuses on a phenotyping experiment that was designed to establish the influence of salinity stress on a diversity panel of the wild tomato species, Solanum pimpinellifolium. Here, we explore how unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with both an optical and thermal infrared camera can be used to map and monitor plant temperature (Tp) changes in response to applied salinity stress. An object-based image analysis approach was developed to delineate individual tomato plants, while a green–red vegetation index derived from calibrated red, green, and blue (RGB) optical data allowed the discrimination of vegetation from the soil background. Tp was retrieved simultaneously from the co-mounted thermal camera, with Tp deviation from the ambient temperature and its change across time used as a potential indication of stress. Results showed that Tp differences between salt-treated and control plants were detectable across the five separate UAV campaigns undertaken during the field experiment. Using a simple statistical approach, we show that crop water stress index values greater than 0.36 indicated conditions of plant stress. The optimum period to collect UAV-based Tp for identifying plant stress was found between fruit formation and ripening. Preliminary results also indicate that UAV-based Tp may be used to detect plant stress before it is visually apparent, although further research with more frequent image collections and field observations is required. Our findings provide a tool to accelerate field phenotyping to identify salt-resistant germplasm and may allow farmers to alleviate yield losses through early detection of plant stress via management interventions.

Estimating canopy leaf physiology of tomato plants grown in a solar greenhouse: Evidence from simulations of light and thermal microclimate using a Functional-Structural Plant Model

In order to determine the effects of leaf temperature, gas exchange, and photosynthesis on plant growth and productivity under greenhouse conditions, predictions at a high spatial and temporal resolution are essential. In addition, simulations of light and thermal microclimate conditions are needed for the modelling of physiological processes. To the best of our knowledge, these physiological processes have not been addressed so far with respect to their spatiotemporal distribution and dynamics in Chinese greenhouse. In the present study, we developed a structural model for a Chinese Liaoshen-solar greenhouse (LSG) and a tomato functional-structural plant model (FSPM), which combined a greenhouse energy balance model with the mechanistic understanding of stomatal function and leaf photosynthesis. Photosynthetic limitation analysises were also carried out using this model. Leaf temperature and stomatal conductance related to the photosynthetic process were simulated at high resolution. Two scenarios (sunny and cloudy) were considered in the simulation and results were verified against field data. According to our findings, our model was able to predict net photosynthesis for each individual tomato leaflet more accurately and in more detail than the most commonly used approaches, which consider a constant leaf temperature of 25 °C. The present study examined the effect of different limiting factors on crop photosynthesis under external climate change conditions. Our results showed that leaf temperature is a key factor that limits the net photosynthetic rate under cloudy conditions. The modelling approach described herein provides a basis for a precise simulation of greenhouse crops, which could be used in the future to provide guidance during the production process of various plant species in solar greenhouses with different structures.

Comparative Evaluation of Tomato Hybrids and Inbred Lines for Fruit Quality Traits

Tomato is one of the most consumed fruit vegetables globally and is a high dietary source of minerals, fiber, carotenoids, and vitamin C. The tomato is also well known for its nutraceutical chemical content which strengthens human immune systems and is protective against infectious and degenerative diseases. For this reason, there has been recent emphasis on breeding new tomato cultivars with nutraceutical value. Most of the modern tomato cultivars are F1 hybrids, and many of the characteristics associated with fruit quality have additive gene action; so, in theory, inbred vigor could reach hybrid vigor. A sum of 20 recombinant lines was released from the commercial single-cross hybrids Iron, Sahara, Formula, and Elpida, through a breeding process. Those recombinant lines were evaluated during spring–summer 2015 under organic farming conditions in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) experimental design with three replications. A sum of eleven qualitative characteristics of the fruit was recorded on an individual plant basis. Results from this study indicated that the simultaneous selection of individual tomato plants, both in terms of their high yield and desired fruit quality characteristics, can lead to highly productive recombinant lines with integrated quality characteristics. So, inbred vigor can reach and even surpass hybrid vigor. The response to selection for all characteristics evaluated shows additive gene action of all characteristics measured. These recombinant lines can fulfill this role as alternatives to hybrid cultivars and those that possess high nutritional values to function as functional-protective food.

Genome-resolved metagenomics to study co-occurrence patterns and intraspecific heterogeneity among plant pathogen metapopulations.

Assessment of pathogen diversity in agricultural fields is essential for informing management decisions and the development of resistant plant varieties. However, many population genomic studies have relied on culture-based approaches that do not provide quantitative assessment of pathogen populations at the field-level or the associated host microbiome. Here, we applied whole-genome shotgun sequencing of microbial DNA extracted directly from the washings of pooled leaf samples, collected from individual tomato and pepper fields in Alabama that displayed the classical symptoms of bacterial spot disease caused by Xanthomonas spp. Our results revealed that while the occurrence of both X. perforans and X. euvesicatoria within fields was limited, evidence of co-occurrence of up to three distinct X. perforans genotypes was obtained in 7 of 10 tomato fields sampled. These population dynamics were accompanied by the corresponding type 3 secreted effector repertoires associated with the co-occurring X. perforans genotypes, indicating that metapopulation structure within fields should be considered when assessing the adaptive potential of X. perforans. Finally, analysis of microbial community composition revealed that co-occurrence of the bacterial spot pathogens Pseudomonas cichorii and Xanthomonas spp. is common in Alabama fields and provided evidence for the non-random association of several other human and plant opportunists.

Intelligent Tomato Picking Robot System Based on Multimodal Depth Feature Analysis Method

In order to achieve monomer picking and string picking of tomato fruit. The tomato image was obtained by binocular camera, and the preliminary search of tomato fruit was carried out. Then the second close-up camera was used to obtain the accurate image of tomato fruit. The improved Deeplab model was used to complete the recognition and localization of tomato fruit, and the fruit was detected by Harris algorithm. The corner point of the fruit stem of the first fruit bifurcation point and the stem of the plant is determined as the position of the cut point of the tomato fruit stem. The robotic arm, the end effector and the mechanical knife are controlled to complete the picking of the individual tomato fruit and the string of tomato fruits, providing a solution for the manual picking of the replacement tomato.

Ultraviolet (UV) transparent plastic claddings warm crops and improve water use efficiency

Advances in the manufacturing of plastic cladding for protected crop cultivation have resulted in wavelength selective plastics capable of manipulating the transmission of solar radiation to include ultraviolet (UV: 280-400 nm). Commercial growers already utilising these plastics report early maturity associated with warmer crops. We hypothesised that UV-B radiation causes partial stomatal closure that reduces stomatal conductance and transpiration rate, thereby increasing leaf temperature (relative to air temperature). We tested this hypothesis by investigating leaf gas exchange and temperature responses of individual tomato leaves to UV-B and UV-A radiation provided by UV lamps in a controlled environment. Transient (90 min) exposure to UV-B radiation decreased stomatal conductance but had minimal impact on photosynthesis, thus increasing leaf temperature and instantaneous water use efficiency. Should this enhanced water use efficiency also occur at a whole plant/canopy scale, these responses may benefit growers of protected crops in arid climates where plastic clad polytunnels are often utilised. © 2020 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved.

Acute effect of tomato extract (Lycopersicum esculentum) on rat’s (Rattus norvegicus) behavior and body weight

Tomato is one of the natural beneficial fruits. It contains lycopene, one of the effective carotenoids, also tocopherol, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and many more nutrition. Mostly, people consumes tomato uncontrolled. It commonly consumed in large quantities and for long periods of time. Based on that cases, it needs to be considered because the consumption of excess antioxidants can trigger a back reaction and increase pro-oxidant compounds. Therefore, this research was to determine the safety level of pure tomato consumption. This research is an experimental research with high tomato dose as treatments. Five group i.e. control (K) 0 mg/ individual tomato extract; K1, 16 mg/ individual tomato extract; K2, 160 mg/ individual tomato extract; K3, 1600 mg/ individual tomato extract; and K4 16.000 mg/ individual tomato extract. Natural tomato extract doses that used for supplementation did not have acute toxicity. The observed behavior in rats did not show any significant difference between treatment and control group. This is probably the dose used in the study is still in tolerant dose for rats metabolism. So, it can be concluded that there is no acute effect on consumption of lycopene extract from tomato.

High genetic stability of potato yellow mosaic Panama virus infecting tomato in Panama

The relevant regions in Panama involved in commercial tomato production, including the Chiriqui, Veraguas, Herrera, Los Santos and Panama Oeste provinces, were surveyed for the distribution and genetic diversity of potato yellow mosaic Panama virus (PYMPV) in the growing seasons of 2011 and 2012. A total of 28 tomato plots were surveyed and 314 individual tomato plants were sampled. DNA was extracted from each plant for a subsequent rolling circle amplification (RCA) analysis, to confirm the presence of begomovirus infections. The samples displaying a positive RCA reaction were subsequently analysed by PCR with a specific primer pair to identify PYMPV. This virus was detected in samples collected in all the above-mentioned provinces. The population structure of PYMPV was assessed by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. In total, four distinct SSCP patterns were distinguished. Based on the geographical distribution and the different patterns obtained, 42 viral isolates were selected for cloning and sequencing. Sequences obtained were compared with the ancestral sequence of PYMPV reported in Panama in 1998. These sequences showed very low variability, with two lineages probably originated by a single introduction.

SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM QUANTITATIVE THING LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY FOR EVALUATION OF CAROTENOID COMPOSITION OF TOMATOES SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of tomatoes carote-noid composition is considered to be the basis of tomato selection. Among known methods of identification and carotenoid content determination thing layer chromatography (TLC) is characterized by inexpensive, quick and availab-le method of analysis. Comparison of individual tomato carotenoid content data obtained using wellknown empirical formulas and based of TLC separation on chromatoraphic paper was achieved. Empirical formulas for the determination of lycopene and beta-carotene concentrations were shown to give high variations in beta-carotene content and decreased values of total carotenoids concentration values. Developed conditions of chromatographic separation and identification of selected carotenoids are based on different polarity of individual pigments and specific absorption spectra of the latter. Method of thin layer chromatography may serve as a quick and effective method for quality evaluation of tomato fruit of different color and determination of beta-carotene, ζ-carotene, neurosporene, lycopene and lutein content.

Effect of Duration and Drying Temperature on Characteristics of Dried Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) Cochoro Variety

Abstract The objective of the present study was to standardise the duration and temperatures of the conventional oven drying methods for best physical and sensory characteristics of dried tomato. The experiment consisted of two factor factorial design (3*2) with three levels of drying temperature (70°C, 80°C and 90°C) and two levels of drying duration (7 and 8 hours) with three replications. An improved and high yielding variety (Cochoro) of tomato released in 2007 for processing and widely grown in Ziwai (Maki), Ethiopia was used. Prior to drying, individual tomato fruits were washed and sliced into uniform thickness (8mm); then, the slices were placed on to the drying trays in a single layer to facilitate uniform drying in hot air oven set at predetermined temperatures per the respective treatments. Data were collected on different physical and sensory attributes and analysed using SAS software (version 9.2). The results showed that titratable acidity, total soluble solids and water absorption capacity were significantly (p≤0.001) increased due to the interaction of degree of temperature and duration of oven drying. In contrast, pH and water activity decreased as the drying temperature and duration increased. Drying at 70°C for 7 hours produced dried tomatoes with the highest sensorial acceptability and physical attributes while higher temperatures (80, 90°C) and longer duration (9 hours) significantly detract the quality of dried tomato. Hence, it is possible to add value and preserve tomatoes through oven drying at the right temperature and optimum duration.

Systemic application of AAV vectors targeting GFAP-expressing astrocytes in Z-Q175-KI Huntington's disease mice.

Huntington's disease (HD) affects both neurons and astrocytes. To target the latter and to ensure brain-wide transgene expression, adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors can be administered intravenously, as AAV vectors cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enable preferential transduction of astrocytes due to their close association with blood vessels. However, there is a possibility that the subclass of GFAP-expressing astrocytes performs a distinct role in HD and reacts differently to therapeutic measures than the rest of the astrocytes. The gfaABC1D promoter allows specific targeting of the GFAP-expressing astrocytes (~25% of S100β-expressing astrocytes). We have examined the expression of three different transgenes (GCaMP6f, Kir4.1 and GLT1) and tested the effects of the AAV serotypes 9 and rh8. The AAV vectors were injected into the tail vein of 1-year-old homozygous Z-Q175-KI HD mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates. At this age, HD mice exhibit motor symptoms, including pronounced hypokinesia and circling behaviour. The expression times ranged from 3 to 6weeks. The target cell population was defined as the cells expressing S100β in addition to GFAP. Viewfields in the dorsal striatum and the overlaying cortex were evaluated and the transduction rate was defined as the percentage of target cells that expressed the reporter transgene (enhanced green fluorescent protein, EGFP, or Tomato). In all cases, the transduction rate was higher in the cortex than in the striatum. AAV9 was more efficient than AAVrh8. One of the injected constructs (AAV9-gfaABC1D-GLT1-Tomato) was tested for the first time. GLT1, the principal astrocytic glutamate transporter, is deficient in HD and therefore considered as a potential target for gene therapy. At a dose of 1.86×1011 vector genome (vg) per animal, the fraction of GLT1-Tomato+ cells in the striatum and the cortex amounted to 30% and 49%, respectively. In individual Tomato+ HD astrocytes, treatment with the GLT1 vector increased the level of GLT1 immunofluorescence by 21% compared to the HD control. The described approach offers new and interesting opportunities to examine the pathophysiological consequences of brain-wide transgene expression in a specific astrocyte subpopulation.