ERF1 — Cucumis melo

Summary

MELO3C022985.2, designated CmERF1 on melon chromosome 6, encodes an AP2/ERF domain-containing transcription factor with DNA-binding and transcription coactivator activity. The gene is associated with ethylene and jasmonic acid signaling pathways, fruit ripening, and responses to drought, salt, and osmotic stress. It is linked to trichome papilla formation and branching, flower development, red and far-red light phototransduction, and camalexin biosynthesis. Associations with disease resistance, including resistance to Botrytis cinerea and necrotrophic pathogens, have been observed, along with connections to stomatal aperture, heat and salt tolerance, lateral root development, and auxin accumulation. The gene is also linked to respiration rate, photosynthetic rate, flowering time, and organ identity traits. Studies of related genes in other species connect the family to ethylene response, fungal resistance, and drought stress response.