Molecular Cloning and Characterization of Carnation EBF1 Gene During Flower Senescence and upon Ethylene Exposure and Sugar

A cDNA clone encoding a putative EBF-like protein (DCEBF1) was obtained from total RNA isolated from senescing carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) petals using reverse transcription PCR and rapid-amplification of cDNA ends techniques. The cDNA contained an open reading frame of 1 878 bp corresponding to 625 amino acids. Results of Northern blot indicated DCEBF1 expression was enhanced by endogenous and exogenous ethylene, and was inhibited by STS in petals and ovaries. Upon wounding treatment, DCEBF1 showed a quick increase in mRNA accumulation which was positively correlated with the increase in ethylene production. The levels of DCEBF1 mRNA increased in both petals and ovaries by sucrose treatment compared with the control.