Ectopic expression of apple fruit homogentisate phytyltransferase gene (MdHPT1) increases tocopherol in transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom) leaves and fruits

► Tocopherol amounts were lower in apple fruits than in other apple organs. ► Apple fruit MdHPT1 gene was overexpressed in transgenic tomato plants. ► The level of α-tocopherol in transgenic tomato fruits increased up to 1.7-fold. ► Transgenic tomato leaves contained about 3.6-fold higher levels of α-tocopherol. ► Apple MdHPT1 plays a role in tocopherol production in transgenic tomato tissues.