Plant J 96(3):562–577Īn J, Yao J, Xu R, You CX, Wang XF, Hao YJ (2018d) Apple bZIP transcription factor MdbZIP44 regulates abscisic acid-promoted anthocyanin accumulation. Plant Physiol 178:808–823Īn J, Li R, Qu F, You CX, Wang XF, Hao YJ (2018c) R2R3-MYB transcription factor MdMYB23 is involved in the cold tolerance and proanthocyanidin accumulation in apple. Acta Hortic Sinica 45(5):35–44Īn J, Wang X, Li Y, Song LQ, Zhao LL, You CX, Hao YJ (2018b) EIN3-LIKE1, MYB1, and ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR3 act in a regulatory loop that synergistically modulates ethylene biosynthesis and anthocyanin accumulation. Plant Cell Physiol 56(4):650–662Īn J, Song L, Zhao L, You CX, Wang XF, Hao YJ (2018a) Overexpression of MdNAC029 promotes anthocyanin accumulation in apple calli. Plant Physiol 169(7):710–717Īn X, Tian Y, Chen K, Liu XJ, Liu DD, Xie XB, Cheng CG, Cong PH, Hao YJ (2015) MdMYB9 and MdMYB11 are involved in the regulation of the JA-induced biosynthesis of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin in apples. Īn X, Tian Y, Chen K, Wang XF, Hao YJ (2012) The apple WD40 protein MdTTG1 interacts with bHLH but not MYB proteins to regulate anthocyanin accumulation. Trends Plant Sci 13(3):99–102Īmato A, Cavallini E, Zenoni S, Finezzo L, Begheldo M, Ruperti B, Tornielli GB (2016) A grapevine TTG2-like WRKY transcription factor is involved in regulating vacuolar transport and flavonoid biosynthesis. This knowledge will provide valuable guidance for the breeding of high-quality red-skinned and red-fleshed apple cultivars.Īllan AC, Hellens RP, Laing WA (2008) MYB transcription factors that colour our fruit. Furthermore, we will offer insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying anthocyanin biosynthesis in apples. We will also discuss the regulation of apple color development by external environmental factors such as light, temperature, and water. We will also cover key transcription factors, such as MYB, bHLH, and WD40 that are involved in the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis and of fruit color development in apples.

In this chapter, we will discuss research efforts on the coloration of the apple fruit, including the development of important genomic databases to identify important genomic regions and genes, genetic and transcriptional factors that regulate pigment accumulation, environmental factors influencing anthocyanin synthesis, and current goals for breeding for red-skinned and red-fleshed apples.

Fruit color development in apples is a major focus for both breeders and researchers as consumers associate brightly colored red apples with ripeness and good flavor. Apple ( Malus × domestica Borkh.) is one of the most widely produced and economically important fruits in temperate regions.

Apple color fruit