Comparative Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Stress-Resilient Metabolites in Dwarf Tomato Plant

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a widely cultivated fleshy fruit crop that is increasingly threatened by climate change and various stress conditions. Dwarf cultivars, such as UFU TOM MC 1, have attracted attention due to their distinct metabolic profiles, which may be associated with enhanced stress resilience. In this work, nontargeted metabolomics based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to assess the metabolomic differences between dwarf and commercial tomato varieties. The results revealed elevated levels of osmoprotectants, antioxidants, and stress-responsive amino acids in UFU MC TOM 1, including higher levels of myo-inositol and proline, which are involved in important processes for osmoprotection and nutrient uptake related to pathogen resistance. Pathway analysis revealed that protein synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and amino acid metabolism were significantly enriched and are often involved in stress responses. The biochemical profile of UFU MC TOM 1 suggests its potential for breeding programs targeting enhanced stress tolerance and nutritional quality. These findings reinforce the role of metabolomics as a key tool in plant breeding, supporting the discovery of metabolic markers linked to resilience and productivity.