Coordinated Regulation: Interplay between Ethylene and ABA in Fruit Ripening and Development
Authors: Pathak Garima 
Published: January 2025

Ripening is crucial for seed dispersal and the survival of plants. Both climacteric and non-climacteric fruits exhibit fleshy characteristics. Ethylene and abscisic acid (ABA) enhance respiration in climacteric fruits such as apples and pears during ripening. Non-climacteric fruits, such as strawberries, primarily ripen in response to abscisic acid (ABA). Recent studies indicate that ethylene and ABA interact in complex ways to regulate fruit ripening. Research on climacteric fruits, such as tomatoes, has identified ethylene biosynthesis genes, including LeACS1, LeACS2, and LeACO1. These genes are crucial for ethylene synthesis and exhibit increased expression in response to ABA supplementation. Abscisic acid (ABA) stimulates the expression of ethylene biosynthetic genes in bananas and berries, thereby facilitating the ripening process. In berries, endogenous ethylene activates the VvNCED1 gene, leading to the production of ABA, thereby illustrating their reciprocal relationship. Ethylene and ABA exhibit either synergistic or antagonistic interactions depending on the specific context, representing a significant finding in this area of study. Ethylene has the capacity to inhibit ABA signaling pathways, thereby delaying stomatal closure, as demonstrated in studies utilizing ethylene signaling mutants such as eto-1 (an ethylene over-producing mutant) and etr1-1 or ein3-1 (ethylene-insensitive mutants). Ethylene and ABA potentially influence physiological processes through a complex hormonal interplay. Ripening is regulated by hormones and environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light. The aforementioned factors substantially influence the biosynthesis and activity of ripening hormones, enzymes, and pigments. Advancements in agricultural technology facilitate precise post-harvest management of these factors, thereby optimizing fruit quality and extending shelf life. Research into the genetic and molecular mechanisms of ripening has led to an expansion of innovation. Utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 to target ripening-related genes allows researchers to improve fruit characteristics, extend shelf life, and minimize post-harvest losses. Modifications in ethylene and ABA biosynthesis or signaling pathways can yield fruits with customized ripening timelines for international food markets. Examining the evolutionary significance of ripening reveals the adaptations of plants' reproductive strategies to various ecological niches. Ripening enhances seed dispersal and viability in optimal conditions. The investigation of these processes is essential because of their ecological and agricultural implications. Fruit ripening research demonstrates the interaction between ethylene and ABA, elucidating a complex hormonal network that integrates genetic, biochemical, and environmental signals. This research has the potential to transform fruit cultivation and storage, thereby enhancing global food security and sustainability initiatives. Future research will employ advanced technologies to enhance the understanding of plant development and adaptation.