Signaling mechanisms governing the environmental modulation of fruit quality development

Abstract The control of fruit quality is of major scientific, nutritional, and commercial importance. In addition to being influenced by the intrinsic characteristics of each fruit species, fruit quality development is largely modulated by environmental factors. The environmental modulation of fruit quality primarily involves a signal transduction process that links environmental perception to the transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation of key enzymes participating in fruit quality–associated metabolisms. Over the past decades, the effects of environmental factors on fruit quality traits have been extensively studied, and increasing attention has been directed toward elucidating the signaling mechanisms that govern this environmental modulation. However, knowledge in this research area has not yet been systematically summarized. In this review, we first provide an overview of the physiological and molecular bases underlying the modulation of fruit quality development by the three major environmental factors: water deficit, salinity, and temperature stresses. We then summarize recent advances in understanding the signaling mechanisms that mediate the environmental modulation of fruit quality development. Finally, we propose several perspectives to facilitate comprehension and guide future research endeavors.