PpERF113–PpbZIP1 complex responses to salicylic acid to control sand pear fruit senescence by regulating PpACO11 expression

ABSTRACT Ethylene promotes fruit senescence, whereas salicylic acid (SA) has been extensively characterized for its antagonistic effects on this process. However, the molecular link between SA signaling and ethylene response factor remains unclear. Here, PpERF113 , an ethylene response factor gene whose expression was significantly down-regulated by SA, was identified from transcriptomic analysis of SA-treated sand pear ( Pyrus pyrifolia ). Overexpression of PpERF113 accelerated the senescence of sand pear fruit, calli and tomato fruit. SA delayed the senescence process caused by PpERF113 . Yeast two-hybrid and luciferase assays demonstrated interactions between PpERF113 and PpbZIP1, PpEIN3. Silencing PpERF113 or PpbZIP1 delayed senescence, and dual silencing enhanced this effect, especially under SA treatment. Additionally, PpERF113 directly activated PpACO11 , a gene involved in ethylene biosynthesis. In conclusion, the PpERF113-PpbZIP1 complex responds to salicylic acid, with PpERF113 controlling sand pear fruit senescence by regulating PpACO11 expression.