FaMYB11 promotes the accumulation of volatile esters by regulating FaLOX5 during strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) ripening

Aroma is a vital characteristic that determines the quality and commercial value of fruit. Fatty acids (FAs) are key precursors for fruit aroma volatiles. In Arabidopsis thaliana, TT2/MYB123 inhibited the seed embryo FA biosynthesis. We analyzed the function and regulation of the MYB123 homolog (Fragaria ? ananassa [Fa] MYB11) for FA metabolism, especially lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. FaLOX5 was correlated with volatile esters formation. FaMYB11 was a functional homologue of the AtTT2/AtMYB123 and a nucleus-localized ripeningrelated R2R3 MYB transcription factor (TF). FaMYB11 overexpression advanced ripening initiation, volatiles accumulation, whereas its silencing delayed these events. Volatile-related genes in LOX pathway were significantly upregulated in FaMYB11 overexpression fruit and downregulated in its silencing fruit. We also demonstrated that FaMYB11 could physically bind to and trans-activate FaLOX5 promoter. In conclusion, we proposed that FaMYB11 could promoted the volatile accumulation partly through the transcriptional regulation of FaLOX5 during strawberry ripening.

Automated summary

The MYB11 gene in strawberries plays a crucial role in regulating fatty acid metabolism and volatile accumulation, mainly through the transcriptional regulation of genes in the LOX pathway. Overexpression of MYB11 accelerates fruit ripening and volatile accumulation, while silencing delays these processes.