Cloning and characterization of cDNAs from genes differentially expressed during the strawberry fruit ripening process by a MAST-PCR-SBDS method.

A vast number of clones carrying cDNAs from genes differentially expressed along the strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa c.v. Chandler) fruit ripening process has been isolated by screening of a subtractive cDNA library. The library was constructed and screened using a powerful procedure that combines the differential screening technique with a Southern blot screening by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SBDS procedure). Several clones have been partially sequenced and characterized and main similarities with other known genes from higher plants are presented. These comparisons reveal putative functions of these genes in the strawberry fruit ripening process.