Identification and expression analysis of strigolactone biosynthetic and signaling genes reveal strigolactones are involved in fruit development of the woodland strawberry ( Fragaria vesca )

Background The development and ripening of fresh fruits is an important trait for agricultural production and fundamental research. Almost all plant hormones participate in this process. Strigolactones (SLs) are a new class of plant hormones that regulate plant organ development and stress tolerance, but little is known about their roles in fruit development.