UoH - Delhi University team uncovers ethylene-induced fruit ripening method

HYDERABAD: In a breakthrough collaborative research, a team of plant scientists jointly led by Dr Rahul Kumar, University of Hyderabad and Prof. Arun K. Sharma, University of Delhi, has characterized a yet-to-be-described ripening-induced Ethylene Response Factor (ERF) gene on Thursday. The gene SlERF.D7, had roles in the regulation of fruit ripening traits in tomatoes.

The transgenic lined with SlERF.D7 overexpression produced more intense red fruits and accumulated higher lycopene levels than wild-type controls.

Further experiments revealed that SlERF.D7 physically bound and activated the promoters of another set of transcription factors to control tomato fruit ripening. Overall, the study generated new knowledge on the molecular regulation of tomato fruit ripening and could help develop breeding strategies to improve ripening traits in fleshy fruits.

Improved knowledge of such molecular regulatory events was crucial to develop effective biotechnological strategies for improving ripening traits such as fruit flavour, pigment accumulation and fruit shelf-life. Varieties with prolonged fruit shelf-life could minimise the post-harvest loss of fruits and vegetables during transport and storage. Such superior varieties would also benefit farmers for their ROI and consumers for fresh and quality agri-products.