Cloning of FaPAL6 gene from strawberry fruit and characterization of its expression and enzymatic activity in two cultivars with different anthocyanin accumulation

► Cloning of a full length PAL gene from strawberry is reported for the first time. ► The expression of FaPAL6 is fruit specific and it increases during ripening. ► FaPAL6 expression is higher in Camarosa (a colorful cultivar) than in Toyonoka. ► PAL activity was higher in internal fruit tissue, though anthocyanin level is low.