Fruit Development Research Articles

Dynamics of water status during fruiting body development of Agaricus bisporus and its relationship to mushroom quality

BackgroundThe analysis of changes in subcellular water distribution during mushroom fruiting is essential for elucidating the movement of water molecules within subcellular compartments. However, prior research on mushrooms has predominantly concentrated on alterations in water status during drying and postharvest processes in the food processing sector. Knowledge regarding subcellular water compartments throughout mushroom growth and fruiting remains limited. In the present study, the dynamics of subcellular water status across various growth stages of Agaricus bisporus were investigated using LF-NMR relaxometry.ResultsThree components were resolved from transverse relaxation curves, assigned to cell wall, cytoplasmic and vacuolar water, in both whole mushroom and mushroom tissues (stalk and Pileus). As fruiting body developed, the proton degree of freedom of three water fractions determined by T2 measurement all increased. The T2 values of three water fractions in stalk were higher than those in pileus during the first three stages, whereas they became lower compared to those in pileus from somewhere between the two stages of 2–3 and 3–4. Apparently different patterns of change in three water contents were observed, indicating the variations in water distribution at subcellular level. Furthermore, relative humidities caused obvious changes in water status. In addition, highly significant correlations were observed between T2 and textural parameters, indicating that the dynamics of water status exert a substantial influence on the formation of mushroom quality.ConclusionsA consistent increase in the transverse proton degree of freedom of three distinct water fractions, accompanied by markedly divergent patterns in the variations of the three water contents, was observed across different growth stages of fruiting bodies. Subsequently, highly significant correlations between T2 and textural parameters were established. This study would contribute to reveal macroscopic water transport within mushroom tissues and provide theoretical insights for optimizing high-quality mushroom cultivation.Graphical

Cytokinin negatively regulates tomato fruit ripening by influencing the ethylene pathway.

Reducing endogenous CK levels accelerates fruit ripening in tomato by regulating ethylene biosynthesis and signalling pathway. Tomato is a typical climacteric fruit and is recognized as one of the most important horticultural crops globally. The ripening of tomato fruits is a complex process, highly regulated by phytohormones. Cytokinin (CK) is a hormone that primarily impacts the early development of fruit, however its influence on fruit ripening has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we used both wild-type Micro-Tom and transgenic tomato plants that overexpress AtCKX2, a CK degradation gene driven by the fruit-specific promoter Tfm7, to investigate the effect of CK on tomato fruit ripening. Our findings revealed that reducing endogenous CK levels in transgenic plants can accelerate the ripening process of tomato fruits. Premature activation of ethylene biosynthetic genes and ripening regulator genes was upregulated in CK-deficient fruits. Moreover, the application of exogenous ethylene inhibitors resulted in delayed fruit ripening in CK-deficient fruits. These results together suggest that CK plays a negative role in tomato fruit ripening by affecting the ethylene pathway.

Tissue-specific responses of the central carbon metabolism in tomato fruit to low oxygen stress.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important model plant whose fleshy fruit consists of well-differentiated tissues. Recently it was shown that these tissues develop hypoxia during fruit development and ripening. Therefore, we employed a combination of metabolomics and isotopic labeling to investigate the central carbon metabolic response of tomato fruit tissues (columella, septa and mesocarp) to low O2 stress. The concentration and 13C-label enrichment of intermediates from the central carbon metabolism were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed an increase in glycolytic activity and the initiation of fermentation in response to low O2 conditions. In addition, the up-regulation of the GABA shunt and accumulation of amino acids, alanine and glycine, were observed under low O2 conditions. Notably, tissue specificity was observed at the metabolite level, with concentrations of most metabolites being highest in columella tissue. In addition, there were tissue-specific differences in the central carbon metabolism with the columella exhibiting the highest metabolic activity and sensitivity to the changes in O2 concentration, followed by septa and mesocarp tissues. Our results are consistent with common plant responses and adaptive mechanisms to low O2 stress, while unravelling some tissue-specific differences, increasing our understanding of the intact fruit response to low O2 stress.

Conserved and novel roles of the bHLH transcription factor SPATULA in tomato.

Arabidopsis has served as a model plant for studying the genetic networks that guide gynoecium development. However, less is known about other species such as tomato, a model for fleshy fruit development and ripening. Here, we study in tomato the transcription factor SPATULA (SPT), a bHLH-family member that in Arabidopsis is known to be important for gynoecium development. We analysed the expression of SlSPT during flower and fruit development, and its interaction with proteins previously reported as interactors of AtSPT in the gynoecium. We also generated and characterised loss-of-function tomato lines using CRISPR-Cas9. The results show that SlSPT forms homodimers and partially conserves the interactions reported in Arabidopsis with some HECATE proteins, and has a role in floral organ development, particularly in stamen fusion, style and stigma development, and trichome formation on the carpels. Furthermore, lack of SlSPT causes altered exocarp pigmentation. A metabolomic analysis of the exocarp showed perturbations in several pathways in the slspt mutant, with the flavonoid biosynthesis being the most affected, which could potentially impact the nutritional value of the fruit. In summary, the results show conserved functions during gynoecium development and novel roles that enrich the knowledge of the SPT gene in fleshy fruits.

Abscission zone metabolism impacts pre- and post-harvest fruit quality: a very attaching story

The function of abscission zones (AZs) determines the timing of fleshy fruit abscission, with important consequences not only for the optimal fruit harvest, but also on the overall final fruit quality. In this context, chemical treatments are commonly used at different stages of fruit development to control fruit abscission, which can also have positive or negative effects on fruit quality. In the current review, we examine commonly used chemicals that affect the metabolic activity in the AZs of fleshy fruit, in addition to their effects on fruit quality characteristics. The main hormone metabolism and signaling in the AZ include that of ethylene, auxin, abscisic acid and jasmonates, and the molecular components that are involved are covered and discussed, in addition to how these hormones work together to regulate AZ activity and hence, affect fruit quality. We focus on studies that have provided new insight into possible protein complexes that function in the AZ, including multiple MADS-box transcription factors, with potential overlapping regulatory roles which exist between AZ development, ethylene production, AZ activation, fruit ripening and overall fruit quality. The view of the AZ as a cross roads where multiple pathways and signals are integrated is discussed.

Application of Plant Growth Regulators During Early Fruit Development Stage Increased Perceived Sweetness of Mango Fruit

This study investigated the optimal strategies for improving sugar biosynthesis in mango fruits. Randomized block design was used for experimental treatments. The mango cultivar “Renong-1” was sprayed with five green plant growth regulators, including solutions of SBP (sucrose-based polymers, a new highly efficient and eco-friendly plant growth regulator), SPM (sucrose + potassium dihydrogen phosphate + microelement fertilizer), TPM (taurine + potassium dihydrogen phosphate + microelement fertilize), PFA (potassium fulvic acid), and SOP (seaweed oligosaccharide peptide) at different fruit development stages. Indicators, such as soluble solid content, soluble sugar and starch contents, and activities of 11 enzymes associated with sugar metabolism in physiologically mature and in full ripening fruits were evaluated. The results showed that SBP solution diluted 100-fold exerted the strongest effect on the soluble sugar content and sweetness value of “Renong-1” mango fruits. Based on the linear regression analysis, a significant negative correlation was observed between the activity of acid invertase and the perceived sweetness of physiologically mature fruits, while the activities of other enzymes were significantly negatively correlated with the perceived sweetness of full ripening fruits. According to multiple regression (by lars function in R) and other comprehensive analysis, A1B3 (spraying SBP solution one time in the young fruit stage) was selected as the optimal treatment combination for enhancing “Renong-1” mango perceived sweetness, followed by A1B2 (spraying SBP solution for the first time in the young fruit stage and the second time at medium maturity) as the alternative treatment combination.

Characterization of the SWEET Gene Family in Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and the Role of VcSWEET6 Related to Sugar Accumulation in Fruit Development

Sugars will eventually be exported transporters (SWEETs) are essential transmembrane proteins involved in plant growth, stress responses, and plant–pathogen interactions. Despite their importance, systematic studies on SWEETs in blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) are limited. Blueberries are recognized for their rapid growth and the significant impact of sugar content on fruit flavor, yet the role of the SWEET gene family in sugar accumulation during fruit development remains unclear. In this study, 23 SWEET genes were identified in blueberry, and their phylogenetic relationships, duplication events, gene structures, cis-regulatory elements, and expression profiles were systematically analyzed. The VcSWEET gene family was classified into four clades. Structural and motif analysis revealed conserved exon–intron organization within each clade. RT-qPCR analysis showed widespread expression of VcSWEETs across various tissues and developmental stages, correlating with promoter cis-elements. VcSWEET6a, in particular, was specifically expressed in fruit and showed reduced expression during fruit maturation. Subcellular localization indicated that VcSWEET6a is located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Functional assays in yeast confirmed its role in glucose and fructose uptake, with transport activity inhibited at higher sugar concentrations. Overexpression of VcSWEET6a in blueberries resulted in reduced sugar accumulation. These findings offer valuable insights into the role of VcSWEETs in blueberry sugar metabolism.

Effects of Hexanal Supplementation on Volatile Compound Profiles and Quality Parameters of ‘Fuji Kiku’ Apples During Cold Storage and Shelf Life

The effects of hexanal supplementation in the storage atmosphere of ‘Fuji Kiku’ apples were investigated. The contents of volatile compounds (VOCs) in the headspace emitted by apple fruit during cold storage and in the headspace of apple fruit and juice during shelf life were determined. Hexanal treatment during storage significantly affected the VOC profile by stimulating the production or retention of key esters, including hexyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl 2-methylbutanoate, during cold storage. Supplementation of hexanal also increased the production of linear esters, especially hexyl acetate, and promoted the formation of branched esters such as ethyl 2-methylbutanoate and hexyl 2-methylbutanoate during shelf life. Hexanal also increased the alcohol concentrations, with a significant increase in hexanol and 2-pentanol. Partial least squares discriminant analysis showed clear separation between control and hexanal-treated samples, with compounds like butyl hexanoate and 2-methyl-1-butanol being the most influential. Apple juice extracted from the flesh of hexanal-treated apples exhibited higher concentrations of key VOCs, including 2-methylbutyl acetate, hexyl acetate, and 2-methyl-1-butanol. No significant differences in firmness were observed; however, hexanal showed an inhibitory effect on the colour development of fruit. This study highlights the potential of hexanal in influencing aroma-related compounds and provides insight into strategies to improve postharvest aroma in apples.

Light signal regulates endoreduplication and tomato fruit expansion through the SlPIF1a-SlTLFP8-SlCDKB2 module

Light serves as an energy source for cell division and expansion during fruit development. Cell expansion significantly influences fruit size and is closely linked to endoreduplication, a unique cell cycle variation characterized by DNA replication without cytokinesis. Paradoxically, under conditions of ample photosynthates, light signaling suppresses cell expansion. The intricate regulation of endoreduplication in response to light signaling during fruit development has remained an intriguing question. Here, our study revealed that Tubby-like F-box protein 8 (SlTLFP8) orchestrated endoreduplication to facilitate fruit cell expansion. As an Skp1-Cullin-F-box (SCF)-type E3 ligase, SlTLFP8 promoted the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of CYCLIN-DEPENDENT KINASE B2 (SlCDKB2), thereby elevating DNA ploidy. The light signaling component PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 1a (SlPIF1a), identified as a pivotal negative regulator in the plant's light response, was found to directly interact with the promoter of the SlTLFP8 gene, thereby stimulating its transcriptional activation. Indeed, SlPIF1a contributed to a faster expansion rate of tomato fruit during nighttime. Altogether, our results elucidate the connection between light signals and fruit size regulation through endoreduplication.

26S Proteasome Subunit SlPBB2 Regulates Fruit Development and Ripening in Tomato.

Proteasomes are protein complexes responsible for degrading unneeded or damaged proteins through proteolysis and play critical roles in regulating plant development and response to environmental stresses. However, it is still unclear whether proteasomes regulate fruit development and ripening. In this study, we investigated the function of a core proteasome subunit, SlPBB2, in tomato fruit. We found that silencing the SlPPB2 gene through virus-induced gene silencing resulted in tomato seedling death, while SlPPB2 RNA interference (RNAi-SlPBB2) plants driven by a fruit-specific promoter PP2C present normal development. Further observation reveals that silencing SlPBB2 in fruits impaired the chloroplast development and chlorophyll metabolism of fruits, increased the fruit size, and delayed fruit ripening. These findings provide novel insights into the role of proteasomes in regulating fruit development and ripening.

Time-series analysis reveals metabolic and transcriptional dynamics during mulberry fruit development and ripening.

Understanding the global transcriptomic and metabolic changes during mulberry growth and development is essential for the enhancing fruit quality and optimizing breeding strategies. By integrating phenotypic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic data across 18 developmental and ripening stages of Da10 mulberry fruit, a global map of gene expression and metabolic changes was generated. Analysis revealed a gradual progression of morphological, metabolic, and transcriptional changes throughout the development and ripening phases. In this study, a new transcriptome transition, which was highly related to stress resistance, was observed after the full ripening stage. Moreover, a novel method was devised by integrating metabolome and phenotypic data to assess fruit quality and determine optimal harvest times early in the supply chain. Phase-specific co-expression networks involved in photosynthesis, quality regulation, and plant immunity were also constructed. Notably, eight flavonoids and six hub genes emerged as potential natural edible coatings or gene-editing targets for mulberry fruit to enhance resistance against biotic and abiotic stress. These findings should facilitate further research on stress resistance, post-harvest management, and sustainable agricultural development.

Transcription factors SlNOR and SlNOR-like1 regulate steroidal glycoalkaloids biosynthesis in tomato fruit.

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are specialized metabolites in Solanaceae that serve as defensive compounds and undergo significant compositional changes during fruit ripening. This study explored the roles of transcription factors SlNOR and SlNOR-like1 in SGAs biosynthesis during tomato fruit development. UPLC-MS/MS revealed dynamic changes in four major SGAs: tomatidine, β-tomatine, α-tomatine, and Esculeoside A. Transgenic studies with knockout and overexpression lines demonstrated that both SlNOR and SlNOR-like1 positively regulated SGAs accumulation. RT-qPCR analysis showed that these transcription factors modulated multiple GAME genes in the SGAs biosynthetic pathway. Through EMSA and DLR assays, we established that SlNOR and SlNOR-like1 directly bound to and activated GAME25 and GAME40 promoters, two key genes involved in tomatidine synthesis and α-tomatine conversion, respectively. These findings reveal a previously unknown regulatory mechanism of SGAs metabolism and suggest potential strategies for optimizing tomato fruit quality through molecular breeding.

Tracking pollen tube and ovule development in vivo reveals rapid responses to pollination in Brassica napus

Abstract Background and Aims Pollination and subsequent fertilisation in most angiosperms are precursors of seed and fruit development. Thus, understanding the developmental processes can improve management of plant reproductive success and food security. Indeed, the window between ovule fertilisation and seed development is crucial for the accumulation of metabolites which determines ultimate seed quality and yield. Establishing detailed temporal maps of development to describe pollination to early seed development is therefore extremely valuable to provide context for molecular studies, plant breeding, and to refine crop management strategies for optimal seed quality. Methods Here, we characterise aspects of post-pollination responses in the globally important crop plant Brassica napus (oilseed rape, canola) with a high-resolution time series of microscope images of the floral organs during the first 48 hours post pollination. Key results We demonstrate the rapid response to pollination in B. napus (c.v. Westar), with pollen tubes germinating and traversing the style within just four hours. We also describe markers of early seed formation in response to fertilisation in the synchronous development of ovule area and stigma length. Conclusions Our results provide a series of temporal benchmarks for post-pollination floral morphology in B. napus, representing valuable reference points for studying and tracking pollination responses and early seed development.

Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal Differences in Flavonoid Synthesis During Fruit Development of Capsicum frutescens pericarp

Capsicum frutescens is a valuable economic crop that is widely cultivated for its unique flavor and rich nutritional content. While some studies have shown differences in flavonoid content among different chili species, the mechanism by which changes in flavonoid composition lead to fruit color variations in C. frutescens remains underreported. We performed transcriptomics and widely targeted metabolome sequencing on three different growth stages of the C. frutescens fruit and analyzed the data to better understand the mechanism of color change. Based on previous research on the genes that regulate flavonoid compounds and the MBW complex, we have identified a total of 28 core genes related to flavonoid biosynthesis and 8 genes that may be related to flavonoid synthesis. Through extensive targeted metabolomic analysis, 581 differential metabolites were identified, including 43 flavonoids. Most anthocyanins, flavonols, and flavonoids were found to be more abundant during the immature fruit stage, which we presume is associated with the differential expression of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and regulation. These findings provide a useful reference for understanding flavonoid synthesis and the accumulation of fruits in C. frutescens.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Potential Molecular Regulation of Organic Acid Metabolism During Fruit Development in Late-Maturing Hybrid Citrus Varieties.

Late-maturing hybrid citrus is a significant fruit that combines the best traits of both parents and is highly prized for its unique flavor. Not only can organic acids alter the flavor of citrus pulp, but they are also essential for cellular metabolism, energy conversion, and maintaining the acidbase balance in plant tissues. Although organic acids play a key role in the quality formation of citrus fruits, there is still insufficient research on the metabolic processes of organic acids in late-maturing hybrid citrus varieties. In this study, three late-maturing citrus varieties with different acidity levels, namely 'Huangjinjia' (HJ), 'Kiyomi' (QJ), and 'Harumi' (CJ), were selected to systematically investigate the metabolic regulation mechanism of organic acids in late-maturing citrus through transcriptome sequencing technology, combined with physiological and biochemical analyses. This study revealed gene expression differences related to organic acid synthesis and degradation. Through gene expression profiling, several genes closely associated with organic acid metabolism were identified, and a preliminary gene network related to the regulation of organic acid metabolism was constructed. The results showed that there were significant differences in the organic acid metabolic pathways between different varieties and growth stages of the fruit. Specifically, HJ had a higher TA content than QJ and CJ, primarily due to the significantly higher citric acid and malic acid contents in HJ compared to the other two varieties. Further analysis revealed that four gene modules showed a high correlation with the levels of major organic acids in the fruits. The genes involved in these modules are closely related to organic acid synthesis, degradation, and transport. Additionally, we also identified several key genes (AS1, BZP44, COL4, TCP4, IDD10, YAB2, and GAIPB) that might be involved in the regulation of organic acid metabolism. The functions of these genes could have a significant impact on the expression levels changes of enzymes related to organic acid metabolism. This study provides a foundation for exploring the intrinsic mechanisms regulating the organic acid content in late-maturing hybrid citrus fruits and contributes to the functional research of organic acids in late-maturing hybrid citrus and the molecular design of high-quality varieties.

The BES1/BZR1 transcriptional factor SlBES2 regulates photosynthetic apparatus in tomato fruit

BackgroundFruit photosynthetic apparatus development comprises a series of biological processes which is essential in determining fruit development and quality formation. However, the understanding of the regulation of fruit photosynthetic apparatus development remains poor.ResultsIn this study, we identified a transcriptional factor SlBES2, the closest homolog of BES1 and BZR1 in tomato BES1 family, is highly expressed in fruit at mature green (MG) stage and exhibited transcriptional inhibition activity. Down-regulation of SlBES2 resulted in fruits showing paler fruit than wild type at MG stage, in contrast, SlBES2-overexpressing tomato lines bore deeper green fruits. Notably, chlorophyll content and number of thylakoids per chloroplast in fruit was substantially increased in SlBES2-overexpressing lines, while markedly decreased in SlBES2-suppressing lines. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that multiple genes of the photosystem, chloroplast development and chlorophyll metabolism pathways were regulated by SlBES2. Further verification revealed that SlBES2 can significantly repress the transcriptional activity of SlNYC1 and Green-Flesh, and physically interact with protein SlHY5.ConclusionsCollectively, this study demonstrated that SlBES2 plays an important role in regulating fruit photosynthetic apparatus development through either transcriptional repression of genes involved in chlorophyll breakdown, or posttranscriptional regulation of proteins associated with plant photomorphogenesis and chloroplast development. Our findings add a new actor to the complex mechanisms underlying photosynthetic apparatus during fruit development.

Molecular regulation and domestication of parthenocarpy in cucumber.

Parthenocarpy is a pivotal trait that enhances the yield and quality of fruit crops by enabling the development of seedless fruits. Here we unveil a molecular framework for the regulation and domestication of parthenocarpy in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). We previously discovered a natural non-parthenocarpic mutant and demonstrated that the AP2-like transcription factor NON-PARTHENOCARPIC FRUIT 1 (NPF1) is a central regulator of parthenocarpy through activating YUC4 expression and promoting auxin biosynthesis in ovules. A Phe-to-Ser substitution at amino acid residue 7 results in a stable form of NPF1 that is localized in the nucleus. An A-to-G polymorphism (SNP-383) within an NPF1-binding site in the YUC4 promoter significantly enhances the activation of NPF1 towards YUC4, leading to an increased rate of parthenocarpy. Additionally, NPF1 influences bitterness by reducing cucurbitacin C biosynthesis through the suppression of Bt expression. Our results suggest a two-step evolutionary model for parthenocarpy and fruit bitterness during cucumber domestication.

The Renaissance of Polyamines: New Roles in Crop Yield and Quality Properties in Freshly Fruit

Polyamines (PAs) are low-molecular-weight compounds that contain amino groups. PAs are present in a variety of organisms, including plants, animals and microorganisms. In plants, the main PAs are putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM). They play crucial physiological roles in plant development, including flowering, fruit set, growth, ripening and metabolic processes. In addition, PAs are components of the diet and have a role in health and disease. Furthermore, PAs have been demonstrated to help overcome the negative effects of adverse environmental factors of both biotic and abiotic stresses. Thus, the main objective of this review was to examine the recent literature regarding the mentioned effects of PAs apart from the impact of preharvest PAs treatments, applied at different stages of fruit development, on fresh fruit crop yield and fruit quality properties at harvest, and in their maintenance during storage, with a special emphasis on the fruit content in bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. Moreover, this review addressed the impact of PAs on other physiological processes affecting crop yield such as flowering and fruit set.

The aerial epidermis is a major site of quinolizidine alkaloid biosynthesis in narrow-leafed lupin.

Lupins are promising protein crops that accumulate toxic quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) in the seeds, complicating their end-use. QAs are synthesized in green organs (leaves, stems, and pods) and a subset of them is transported to the seeds during fruit development. The exact sites of biosynthesis and accumulation remain unknown; however, mesophyll cells have been proposed as sources, and epidermal cells as sinks. We investigated the exact sites of QA biosynthesis and accumulation in biosynthetic organs of narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) using mass spectrometry-based imaging (MSI), laser-capture microdissection coupled to RNA-Seq, and precursor feeding studies coupled to LC-MS and MSI. We found that the QAs that accumulate in seeds ('core' QAs) were evenly distributed across tissues; however, their esterified versions accumulated primarily in the epidermis. Surprisingly, RNA-Seq revealed strong biosynthetic gene expression in the epidermis, which was confirmed in leaves by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Finally, feeding studies using a stably labeled precursor showed that the lower leaf epidermis is highly biosynthetic. Our results indicate that the epidermis is a major site of QA biosynthesis in narrow-leafed lupin, challenging the current assumptions. Our work has direct implications for the elucidation of the QA biosynthesis pathway and the long-distance transport network from source to seed.

The ANP method to relate innovative personal competencies in sustainable development in Ecuadorian fruit exporting SMEs

The development of the personal innovative competences in workers is of capital importance for the competitiveness of organizations, where the ability of the employees must respond in an innovative way to diverse situations that arise in specific contexts. Considering this, the question arises: How do innovative employees’ competences affect the sustainable development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)? Therefore, the objective of this work is to present a multi-criteria method based on the Analytic Network Process (ANP), to relate innovative personal competences and the sustainable development of MSMEs. An instrument was applied to groups of experts from 31 Ecuadorian fruit-exporting MSMEs, to develop a multi-criteria decisional network that allowed identifying the innovative personal abilities that have the greatest impact on the sustainable development of these organizations. The results demonstrate the relevance of the elements of innovative personal competencies, with a cumulative participation of 39.15%, Sustainable Export Development with 32.18% and Improvements with 28.66%. It also presents three types of analysis: i) Global to establish the weight of each variable; ii) Influences, to establish solid cause-effect relationships between the variables and iii) Integrated. The most relevant innovative personal competences for sustainable development and improvements for exporting SMEs are teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity within the international context.