The regulation of photosynthesis by ethylene

Recently we have shown that ethylene exerts a species-specific effect on plant photosynthesis. In many agricultural relevant crops, ethylene negatively influences photosynthesis, which could compromise yield. It remains very vague how exactly ethylene signals to reduce photosynthesis. In this project, we will use sequencing technology to unravel the molecular regulation of photosynthesis by the hormone ethylene in young tomato plants. We will also characterize the physiological responses of tomato plants towards ethylene gas. On the long term, these novel insights could help us to understand how hormones such as ethylene control photosynthesis in plants.