Pectate lyase
[www.isaaa.org] genes
have been documented as excellent candidates for improvement of fruit
firmness. However, this approach in regulating fruit postharvest
deterioration has not been fully explored. Lu Yang from Chongqing University
in
<[www.isaaa.org]
s/download/Facts%20and%20Trends%20-%20China.pdf> China, along with
colleagues, identified pectate lyase genes in tomato and focused on the
pectate lyase gene SlPL.

RNA interference of SlPL resulted in enhanced fruit firmness and changes in
pericarp cells. Furthermore, the SlPL-RNAi fruit demonstrated greater
anti-rotting and pathogen-resisting ability. Compared to wild types, the
SlPL-RNAi fruit exhibited higher levels of cellulose and hemicellulose,
while pectin levels were lower.

The activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were also
higher in SlPL-RNAi fruit. RNA-sequencing results showed large amounts of
differentially expressed genes involved in hormone signalling, cell wall
modification, oxidative stress, and pathogen resistance.

These demonstrate that pectate lyase plays an important role in both fruit
softening and pathogen resistance. This could be a foundation for
improvement of postharvest fruit preservation in tomato and other fleshy
fruits.

[onlinelibrary.wiley.com]



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