FAIR-CT95-1138 Technical and economic feasibility of controlling melon ripening through genetic manipulation of ethylene biosynthesis

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Biotechnology : FAIR Area 3 - Generic Science and Advanced Technologies for Nutritious Foods : Plant Genetics : Storage/Transport

	Proposal No:	FAIR-CT95-1138
	Date Prepared:	May 1999
	Source:	Second Annual Progress Report

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Second Annual Progress Report

OBJECTIVES

Technological Problem
Methods based on the genetic manipulation of fruit ripening represent an alternative strategy for controlling the postharvest deterioration of fruits exhibiting poor storage capabilities. This demonstration project is aimed at proving the technical and econo-mical feasibility of increasing the storage life and improving the quality of Cantaloupe Charentais melons through genetic manipulation of ethylene biosynthesis.

EXPECTED RESULTS

Direct results:
Two genetically modified parental lines of melons expressing an antisense gene enco-ding ACC oxidase (an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the plant hormone ethy-lene) have been generated. These two lines exhibit reduced ethylene synthesis. They have been characterized in term of (i) agronomical traits and (ii) stability of expression of the transgene through different generations. The two lines have been used for gene-rating Fl hybrids by crossing with lines exhibiting complementary agronomical cha-racteristics (resistance to pathogens, levels of precocity). The Fl hybrids are under study for:

• checking the effect of the transgene on the agronomical performance. in particular on the quality
• and shelf-life of the fruits under various culture conditions;
• specifying their physiological, biochemical and molecular traits;
• proving of the quality of the fresh fruits for human consumption and of the safety for human health and environment;
• establishing the procedure for dissemination and placing on the European market;
• demonstrating the acceptability of these genetically modified organisms (GMO) products by all the partners of the users chain (growers, distributors, retailers and consumers) and by their representative associations.
• validating the economical interest of these new products improved for the shelf-life of the fruits all along the marketing chain.

Indirect results:
The genetically modified melons allow new insights into:

• the physiological understanding of the fruit ripening process and ethylene produc-tion;
• the role of ethylene on the quality parameters of the melon; the effect of the transgene under different culture conditions, including winter cul-ture in Southern Europe;
• the ripening pattern and postharvest behaviour of the fruit under various storage conditions (cold and modified atmosphere .storage and film packaging);
• the aroma volatiles composition by the analysis of the head space.

Applications
Melons with reduced ethylene production may be commercially interesting because: (i) they exhibit greater flexibility in the choice of the harvest date, (ii) they can be left on the vine without risk of over-ripening and accumulate more sugars, and (iii) they have an extended shelf life allowing to reduce postharvest losses and to reach distant mar-kets. The same technology could be applied to other fruits and vegetables exhibiting poor storage capabilities.