Fruit-specific suppression of the ethylene receptor LeETR4 results in early-ripening tomato fruit.
Tomato is an economically important crop and a significant dietary source of important phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and flavonoids. Although it has been known for many years that the plant hormone ethylene is essential for the ripening of climacteric fruits, its role in fruit growth and maturation is much less well understood. In this study, data are presented which indicate that fruit-specific suppression of the ethylene receptor LeETR4 causes early ripening, whereas fruit size, yield and flavour-related chemical composition are largely unchanged. Early fruit ripening is a highly desirable and valuable trait, and the approach demonstrated here should be applicable to any fruit species requiring ethylene to ripen. These results demonstrate that ethylene receptors probably act as biological clocks regulating the onset of tomato fruit ripening.
Kevany
Brian M
BM
Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0690, USA.
Taylor
Mark G
MG
Klee
Harry J
HJ
D005030:Ethylenes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D005638:Fruit / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D018551:Solanum lycopersicum / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D034622:RNA Interference; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*
D005030:Ethylenes; D010940:Plant Proteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; C083750:ethylene receptors, plant; C036216:ethylene