About this Research Topic
This Research Topic aims to collect selected contributions to Ethylene2018, the XI International Symposium on the Plant Hormone Ethylene, held in Chania, Greece, on 2nd-6th June 2018, to cover exciting new discoveries in the ethylene field.
Besides novel insights in ethylene signaling in bacteria, algae, and lower plants, evidence accumulates towards a specific role of the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) in plants and in plant-bacteria interactions. While ACC may play an ethylene-independent role in plant growth and development, the three-membered ring amino-acid is probably also of paramount importance in the balanced co-existence of plants and beneficial micro-organisms around them, surmounting attacks of pathogens. In addition, a thorough analysis of downstream players in ethylene signaling enabled identification of key regulators in fruit development and ripening. Not unexpectedly, translational regulation of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling appears to be fundamental in the control of ethylene effects, besides transcriptional regulation.
Hormonal pathways are not functioning as independent routes, but rather contribute to an information web, connecting internal signaling to transduction pathways of external cues. Ethylene is involved in such an intricate network which fine-tunes development from cell and organ specification to senescence and abscission, but also incorporates external signals enabling plasticity in an ever-changing environment, and controlling reactions to adverse conditions, such as those encountered as a result of global climate change.
Given the importance of ethylene in agricultural applications and the need for sustainable crop production, on the field as well as in post-harvest control of fruits and vegetables, recent research has also focused on improved control of ethylene release and sensitivity, as well as on long-term storage conditions of crop products.
The proposed Research Topic presents the latest findings in all these aspects of ethylene in plant biology and agricultural production.
Besides novel insights in ethylene signaling in bacteria, algae, and lower plants, evidence accumulates towards a specific role of the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) in plants and in plant-bacteria interactions. While ACC may play an ethylene-independent role in plant growth and development, the three-membered ring amino-acid is probably also of paramount importance in the balanced co-existence of plants and beneficial micro-organisms around them, surmounting attacks of pathogens. In addition, a thorough analysis of downstream players in ethylene signaling enabled identification of key regulators in fruit development and ripening. Not unexpectedly, translational regulation of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling appears to be fundamental in the control of ethylene effects, besides transcriptional regulation.
Hormonal pathways are not functioning as independent routes, but rather contribute to an information web, connecting internal signaling to transduction pathways of external cues. Ethylene is involved in such an intricate network which fine-tunes development from cell and organ specification to senescence and abscission, but also incorporates external signals enabling plasticity in an ever-changing environment, and controlling reactions to adverse conditions, such as those encountered as a result of global climate change.
Given the importance of ethylene in agricultural applications and the need for sustainable crop production, on the field as well as in post-harvest control of fruits and vegetables, recent research has also focused on improved control of ethylene release and sensitivity, as well as on long-term storage conditions of crop products.
The proposed Research Topic presents the latest findings in all these aspects of ethylene in plant biology and agricultural production.
Keywords: Ethylene, Plant Hormones, Ethylene Signal Transduction, ACC
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
