Changes in the abscisic acid levels and related gene expression during fruit development and ripening in bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)

Five ABA biosynthetic genes were isolated and their expression studied in bilberry. Expression of 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (VmNCED1) and putative neoxanthin synthase (VmNSY) increased at the onset of berry ripening along with the accumulation of ABA.