New Method to Control Fruit Ripening   Technology Description: This invention is for a method to control fruit ripening using the ACC (aminocyclopropane carboxylate) synthase gene. ACC synthase regulates ethylene production. Ethylene is related to several events in plant growth and development, including fruit ripening. ARS researchers have found a way to turn off the ACC synthase gene, thus controlling ethylene levels and regulating plant growth and development functions controlled by ethylene. Most market fruits are picked before they are fully ripened, so that they can have a longer shelflife. This limits the time fruit has to develop its full flavor. This technique can be used to prolong freshness and flavor in many fruits and vegetables.  Reference: Please refer to Patent Number 6,207,881, "Control of Fruit Ripening Through Genetic Control of ACC Synthase Synthesis," which issued March 27, 2001, and Patent Number 6,156,956, which issued December 5, 2000, which is a CIP of 5,723,766, which issued March 3, 1998; and is a division of 5,824,860, which issued October 20, 1998. Inventors: Athanasios Theologis Plant Gene Expression Center Albany, CA 94710 (510) 559-5911 theo@nature.berkeley.edu Takahide Sato (Same as first inventor) (510) 559-5900