Japanese prolong the shelf life of melon

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba in Japan used CRISPR-Cas9 to modify the ethylene synthesis pathway in Japanese luxury melon (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus, variety “Harukei-3”) to increase its lifetime usefulness. It has long been known that the gaseous plant hormone ethylene promotes fruit ripening and plays a certain role in fruit shelf life. Extending the shelf life of fruit decreases food loss and waste and contributes to global food security. The enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic oxidase (ACO) is associated with the final step of the ethylene production pathway and has multiple homologous genes. The University of Tsukuba research group has previously demonstrated five CmACO genes (ACO homologous genes) in the melon genome and showed that the CmACO1 gene is predominantly expressed in the harvested fruit. Therefore, CmACO1 ????would be an important gene to improve melon fruit preservation. The researchers selected CmACO1 ???? as a gene editing target and tried to ...