Functional Validation of Phytoene Synthase and Lycopene ε-Cyclase Genes for High Lycopene Content in Autumn Olive Fruit ().

Lycopene is the most potent antioxidant among all carotenoids and is beneficial to human health. A ripe fruit of autumn olive ( Thunb.) accumulates a high level of lycopene, which is 5-20 times higher than that in an ordinary tomato fruit.