Identification of defense-related genes newly associated with tomato flower abscission

The current abscission model suggests the formation of a post-abscission trans-differentiation of a protective layer as the last step of the process. The present report expands the repertoire of genes activated in the tomato flower abscission zone (AZ), which are likely to be involved in defense responses. We identified four different defense-related genes, including: Cysteine-type endopeptidase, alpha-Dioxygenase 1 (alpha-DOX1), HopW1-1-Interacting protein2 (WIN2) and Stomatal-derived factor-2 (SDF2), that are newly-associated with the late stage of the abscission process. The late expression of these genes, induced at 8-14 h after flower removal when pedicel abscission was already in progress, was AZ-specific, and was inhibited by treatments that prevented pedicel abscission, including 1-methylcyclopropene pretreatment or IAA application. This information supports the activation of different defense responses and strategies at the late abscission stages, which may enable efficient protection of the exposed tissue toward different environmental stresses.