Genetic control of fruit ripening

A method of modulating the ripening or tissue senescence process in plants of the genus Musa comprising inserting into plant material at least one polynucleotide sequence or a fragment thereof, obtainable by hybridisation, from the cDNA library having the NCIMB Accession Number 40814, by the use of at least one of the sequences depicted as SEQ ID Nos 1-57 as oligonucleotide probes, said hybridisation being conducted at a temperature from 60° C. to 65° C. in 0.3 strength citrate buffered saline containing 0.1% SDS followed by rinsing at the same temperature with 0.3 strength citrate buffered saline containing 0.1% SDS, regenerating said plant material and selecting from the transformed regenerants, plants with modulated ripening or tissue senescence characteristics.

A method according to any preceding claim wherein the plant material is transformed using the Agrobacterium, microparticle bombardment, fibre mediated or direct insertion method.

A polynucleotide associated with fruit ripening selected from SEQ ID Nos. 1-57.

A method, polynucleotide, plant, its progeny, seed and material obtained from said plants and a banana substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings and figures.