The apple gene for red

CSIRO horticultural researchers have recently pinpointed the genes responsible for regulating anthocyanins in apples, a discovery that may lead to bright new apple varieties.

In apples, colour is dependent on light. By identifying master genes that were activated by light and measuring gene expression in apple skin as the fruit ripened and coloured, researchers were able to identify the apple gene that controls anthocyanin production.

In collaboration with apple breeders at the Department of Agriculture and Food in Western Australia , the scientists were able to show that fruit colour can be predicted, even in seedling apple plants, by measuring the form of this gene that is present.

This will give plant breeders the opportunity to use these molecular marker tests to speed up apple breeding and select for improved fruit colour and new and interesting colour variations.

The research is a collaboration between CSIRO and the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, who have partly funded the project with a voluntary contribution.

The project has been facilitated by Horticulture Australia Ltd in partnership with industry and has been funded as part of the across industry program. The Australian Government provides matched funding for all Horticulture Australia's R&D activities.

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