Ethylene produced by the endosperm is involved in the regulation of nucellus programmed cell death in Sechium edule Sw

► Endosperm is the main regulator of nucellus PCD in Sechium edule seed. ► Ethylene produced by the endosperm is necessary for nucellar PCD to occur. ► Nitric oxide produced by endosperm induces synthesis of ethylene. ► Besides ethylene and nitric oxide, endosperm produces high amounts of the auxin IAA. ► IAA is translocated towards the nucellus but its role in PCD is still unclear.