The terpene synthase (TPS) gene family in kiwifruit shows high functional redundancy and a subset of TPS likely fulfil overlapping functions in fruit flavour, floral bouquet and defence

Abstract Volatile terpenes are important compounds that influence fruit flavour and aroma of kiwifruit. Terpenes in plants also impact on the floral bouquet defence against pests pathogens leaves fruit. To better understand overlapping roles may fulfil plants, a systematic gene, chemical biochemical analysis terpene synthases (TPS) was undertaken Red5 kiwifruit ( Actinidia spp.). Analysis genome shows it contains only 22 TPS gene models, which fifteen encode full-length TPS. Thirteen can account for major volatiles produced different tissues response to stimuli. The small family displays surprisingly high functional redundancy with five producing linalool/nerolidol. Treatment methyl jasmonate enhanced expression subset defence-related genes stimulated release terpenes. Six were induced upon herbivory by economically insect pest Ctenopseustis obliquana (brown-headed leaf roller) emission, but not accumulation, E )- Z )-nerolidol strongly linked herbivory. Our results provide framework biological ecological other horticultural crops.