Synergistic effects of SlCBF1 and ethylene signaling on the maintenance of tomatoes quality during long-term cold storage

Abstract

Refrigeration is commonly employed for postharvest storage of fruit and vegetable; however, its usage can increase the risk of chilling injury (CI). C-repeat/dehydration-responsive element binding factors (CBFs) have been identified in various plants. However, the significance of CBFs in preserving fruit quality during cold storage remains understudied, particularly in transgenic fruit. In this study, we demonstrate that the mutation of SlCBF1 gene worsen CI symptoms in tomatoes, hinder cold-induced ethylene production, and influence the expression of genes associated with ethylene signaling. Notably, our correlation analysis reveals that the severity of CI is partially correlated with ethylene production. Additionally, blocking ethylene action using 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), decrease the cold resistance of tomatoes. Knocking out SlCBF1 gene impact the effect of 1-MCP-inhibited cold responses, including the suppression of antioxidant enzymes activities. These findings underscore positive regulation of cold resistance in postharvest tomatoes by SlCBF1 in collaboration with ethylene signaling.