ARS | Publication request: FRUIT RIPENING AND ITS MANIPULATION

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: August 17, 2006
Publication Date: February 15, 2007
Citation: Giovannoni, J.J. 2007. Fruit ripening and its manipulation. In: Gan, S., editor. Senescence Process of Plants. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. p.278-295.

Technical Abstract: A number of model systems and many additional crop systems have been exploited toward enhanced understanding of fruit ripening in species representing both climacteric and non-climacteric maturation physiologies. Exciting molecular discoveries have recently provided evidence for common transcriptional control among these distinct ripening types. Extrapolation of rapid molecular advances in ethylene and light signaling in Arabidopsis has led to important insights pertaining to how these signaling pathways impact maturing fruit and have recently been proposed as molecular tools for modifying ripening and nutrient quality in genetically enhanced varieties. Here we review recent molecular advances in our collective understanding of fruit development and maturation with emphasis on model systems and summarize advances with realized or potential utilization in fruit crop improvement.