Regulation of ethylene biosynthesis

Regulation of ethylene biosynthesis is a critical factor in the preservation of shelf life
and quality in fruits. Controlled atmosphere storage under low oxygen reduces ethylene
production. Ethylene scrubbing is also a common practice in storage facilities. Biotechnological
approaches to reduce ethylene production by tissue through the regulation of the
activities of ACC synthase and ACC oxidase have provided additional methods for the
preservation of shelf life and quality in fruits. Some examples include the inhibition of
ACC-synthase and ACC-oxidase gene expression through the introduction of their respective
antisense cDNAs, which caused delayed ripening and resulted in better preservation
of the quality of tomato