Figure 1

Fruit and seed growth pattern (cv Fantasia). Fruit growth (red) is expressed as cross diameter while length is used for seed (blue) and embryo (green) development. Difference in length between seed and embryo represents endosperm, integuments and nucellus being a minimal part of the seed. Fruit developmental cycle has been divided into 4 main stages (S1 to S4) according to the first derivative of the fruit growth curve. The yellow horizontal line indicates pit hardening. Sampling dates are marked by black arrows. The simple loop microarray experimental design is outlined on the right. For the microarray expression analyses, seed (S) and mesocarp (M) tissues at S1 and S2I, and S3 and S4 were pooled, and defined as early (ES and EM) and late (LS and LM) development, respectively. The comparison has been made between different developmental stages (LS/ES and LM/EM) within the organs and between the two organs (ES/EM and LS/LM) within the developmental stage.