As is well known, TCP proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that play an important role in plant and fruit growth and development. Despite the known significance of these transcription factors in general plant development, their specific role in cherry fruit growth remains largely unknown.
The study conducted by the research group of the College of Horticulture at Sichuan Agricultural University in China explored the potential role of TCP transcription factors in cherry fruit growth and development.
Thirteen members of the PavTCP family were identified within the sweet cherry plant, with two, PavTCP1 and PavTCP4 , containing potential target sites for Pav-miR159, Pav-miR139a and Pav-miR139b-3p. Analysis of cis-acting elements and prediction of Arabidopsis homology show that the PavTCP family comprises many light-sensitive elements.
It was found that PavTCP1 and PavTCP3 homologues in Arabidopsis TCP proteins are crucial for light responses. Shading experiments showed distinct correlation patterns between PavTCP1 , 2 and 3 and total anthocyanins, soluble sugars and soluble solids in cherry fruits.
These observations suggest that these genes may contribute significantly to the light responses of sweet cherries. In particular, PavTCP1 could play a key role, potentially mediated by Pav-miR159, Pav-miR139a and Pav-miR139b-3p.
This study is the first to reveal the potential function of TCP transcription factors in the light responses of cherry fruits, paving the way for future investigations into the role of this family of transcription factors in plant fruit development.
Source: Chen, C., Zhang, Y., Chen, Y. et al. Sweet cherry TCP gene family analysis reveals potential functions of PavTCP1, PavTCP2 and PavTCP3 in fruit light responses. BMC Genomics 25, 3 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-023-09923-z.
02 Aug 2024
The study by a California team investigated potential infection points in five cerasites located in three different areas of California to assess the incidence of these pathogens in symptomatic shoots, fruiting darts and wood under pruning wounds.
29 Aug 2024
When developing a fertilisation programme, it is necessary to determine what nutrients the crop needs and when it needs them. A simple approach is to define the needs of the trees and the crop based on the estimated yield.
19 Oct 2026
Global cherry production is forecast to reach a record 5.4 million tonnes in 2026/27 up by 17%, according to the USDA. Rising Chilean exports and Chinese imports point to stronger competition for Argentina’s Patagonia during the shared Southern Hemisphere export season.
19 Oct 2026
South African cherries turn to the domestic market as production rises 17% in 2024/25 and export prices fall 27%. Local demand helps sustain the value of the industry. A look at leading varieties, planted areas and the main destinations for South African cherry exports.
