2025, Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part E

author(s)
Nalluri Anilkumar and Chinthalapalli Ajay Chandra

abstract
Trichomes are unicellular or multicellular appendages that extend from the aboveground epidermal cells of plants. These solitary or multicellular epidermal projections are present on the aerial portions of plants and serve a variety of biological functions, including protecting the plant from water loss, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and herbivore attacks. By reducing excessive transpiration, providing defence against insect predation, and shielding plants from harmful UV light, trichomes play a crucial role in enhancing plant tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. The density and shape of trichomes vary widely across species, displaying structural modifications that correspond to their specific functions. In addition to their protective roles, trichomes can manufacture specialized metabolites, undergo physiological changes, and assist in detoxification by accumulating harmful substances Tomato plants possess seven different types of trichomes, which are classified as either glandular or non-glandular. Among these, glandular trichomes are the most prevalent on tomato leaves and stems. Glandular trichomes (GTs) are epidermal outgrowths capable of biosynthesizing and secreting specialized compounds, making them highly significant from both scientific and practical perspectives. They contribute substantially to herbivore resistance, a characteristic particularly important for wild tomato species. One specific type found on tomato leaves is the type-IV glandular trichome (GT), which plays a key role in plant defence and metabolic processes.