REGULATED ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY TO CONTROL FLOWER LONGEVITY IN A PLANT

摘要

Provided is the tissue specific manipulation of the EIN2 and EIN3 ethylene-signaling genes, permitting the controlled regulation of leaf and/or flower abscission, since flower and leaf abscission are positively regulated by the plant hormone ethylene. In particular, controlled expression of the EIN2 and EIN3, permits reduction of early-season flower abscission and accelerated late-season leaf abscission, preferably under the control of an inducible promoter. When the altered expression of ethylene signaling genes is combined, for example in a preferred embodiment in the cotton plant, both reduced flower abscission and induced premature leaf abscission are achieved, thereby producing a more productive and more efficiently harvested crop. Further provided are new insights into the mechanisms involved in the ethylene signaling pathway.