Expression of ripening marker genes in SlVIF-overexpressing and -silenced tomato fruits. The gene transcript levels were determined by qRT-PCR. Total RNA was extracted from pericarp tissues of SlVIF-overexpressing line 2 (OE2), SlVIF-silenced line 4 (S4), and the wild type (WT) at 35 DPA, 38 DPA, 41 DPA, and 44 DPA. The gene transcript levels are normalized against the ACTIN gene, followed by normalization against the wild type at 35 DPA. Values are means ± sd of three independent experiments. RIN, Ripening inhibitor; NOR, nonripening; LePG, polygalacturonase A; EXP1, expansin 1; ACS2, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase 2; ACO1, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase; PSY1, phytoene synthase 1; PDS, phytoene desaturase.