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

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

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

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT95-1138
	Total Cost	2 624 118 ECU
	EC Contribution	1 550 000 ECU
	Start Date	01/09/96
	Duration	48 Months

Technical and economic feasibility of controlling melon ripening through genetic manipulation of ethylene biosynthesis

Abstract:
In the recent years, methods based on the genetic manipulation of fruit ripening have been developed with the aim of increasing the storage life and improving the quality of fruit. For instance, the down regulation of tomato polygalacturonase (PG) gene expression by antisense RNA prevented pectin degradation and gave an improved shelf-life and thus technological qualities. Even though European laboratories have been the leader in controlling fruit physiology through manipulation of gene expression, the commercial feasibility of this strategy has up to the present been demonstrated only in the USA by the release into the US market of antisense PG tomatoes in 1994.

All the studies reported so far have been carried out with the tomato as a model plant. The four partners of this project have previously collaborated within the framework of an EC ECLAIR programme ( AGRE-0015) to develop these technologies at the pre-competitive level, for another type of fruit, the melon. Two pure lines of melon expressing an antisense ACC oxidase gene have been generated. These exhibit a strong reduction of ethylene production and a delayed ripening.

The present project, placed under the coordination of a seed company, consists of a demonstration programme aimed at releasing onto the market new commercial genotypes with a longer shelf-life and of better eating quality. These commercial genotypes with improved postharvest handling qualities are expected to enlarge the market for cantaloupe melons in Europe and improve the competitiveness of European producers.

The programme will consist of:

characterising in depth the agronomic traits of two transgenic melons expressing an ACC oxidase-antisense gene
generating commercial F I hybrids by crossing these new genotypes with other genitors harbouring appropriate agronomic characteristics such as precocity and resistance of pathogens
evaluating the effect of the transgene on the agronomic performance of the new commercial Fl hybrids (physiology of the plant, yield under various environmental conditions, stress and pest resistance, harvest date, quality of fruit, etc)
preparing the procedure for placing on the market the new genotypes according to the official criteria of EU and the member states concerned with the project
testing the acceptability by consumers through the usual commercial channels of the seed company partner.

Contacts

Coordinator

Denis LOR / TEZIER SA FRANCE

EC Scientific Officer

Markku JARVENPAA / European Commission BELGIUM

Participant