Detection and Analysis of Delayed-Ripening Genes in the Growth of Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) Treated 1-Naphtaleneacetic Acid

Abstract

Strawberries (Fragaria spp.) are non-climatic fruits that are popular due to its good taste, fragrance and attractive colors. It contains anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds capable of preventing such diseases as cancers and heart diseases. Rapid decay of fruits is among farmers' post-harvest problems. 1-Naphtaleneacetic acid (NAA) is a hormone known to be capable of delaying fruit ripening. Molecular studies of growth and development control genes have been carried out, including color pigment control in strawberry fruits. FaCHS and FaPYR1 are genes that play a role in fruit development, especially in ripening strawberry fruits. The purpose of the present study was to detect fruit ripeness-delaying genes in Fragaria × ananassa treated with 1-Naphtaleneacetic acid (NAA). It was conducted by inducing strawberry plants from Banyuroto, Magelang of Central Java, with 10 ppm, 30 ppm and 60 ppm of NAA. DNA was isolated from fruit using the Nucleon Phytopure Kit and then tested qualitatively and quantitatively using electrophoresis and spectrophotometry. Genes were detected using the MyTaqTM-Bioline PCR method. The phenotypic characteristics showed that there was an increase in the leaves area and stem diameter in the cultivar 'KP Brite' and the fruit size in the cultivar 'Crystal' after 10-ppm NAA treatment. Results of amplification of FaCHS DNA fragments showed FaCHS was not detected in the cultivar 'KP Brite' after 60-ppm NAA treatment, while FaPYR1 could only be detected in the red stage of the cultivar 'Crystal' after 10-ppm NAA treatment and the pink and red stages of the cultivar 'KP Brite' after 30-ppm NAA treatment.