VvERF111 Regulates Chlorophyll Degradation by Activating Expression of VvCLH1, Leading to Rachis Browning in Grape

The plant growth regulator ethylene influences rachis browning in grape (Vitis vinifera L.). Although the signaling pathway is well defined, there limited knowledge on its mode of action during browning. Here, we show that an response factor (VvERF111) positively regulates chlorophyll degradation by binding to a DRE motif promoter VvCLH1. expression VvERF111 and VvCLH1 was induced inhibited 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). belongs ERF IX subfamily APETALA2/ethylene responsive (AP2/ERF) superfamily, shows transcriptional activity yeast, localized nucleus membrane. transient overexpression or chlorophyllase (VvCLH1) leaves accelerated degradation. In VvERF111-overexpressing leaves, transcript levels were also increased. Our findings offer deeper understanding regulation grape.