Expression of lycopene cyclase genes and their regulation on downstream carotenoids during fruit maturation of Guoqing No. 1 Satsuma mandarin and Cara Cara navel orange

▶ The expression profiles of both lycopene cyclase genes varied with cultivars. ▶ Accumulation of lutein and β-carotene were up-regulated by lycopene cyclase genes. ▶ Expression of LCYe might exert a more prominent influence on lycopene cyclization. ▶ The highest expression of both genes existed in leaves in Newhall and Guoqing No. 1. ▶ Carotenoids accumulation shifted from upstream β, ɛ- or β, β-carotenoids such as lutein and β-carotene to downstream β, β-carotenoids during fruit development.