Abstract The trichome has diverse biological functions in tomato, in order to explore the gene functions involved in trichome formation, a novel gene (named as ShMYB1) related trichome initiation was isolated from LA1777, using RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) technology. The full-length sequence of ShMYB1 cDNA was 1 350 bp and encoded a protein of 338 amino acids. The ShMYB1 had a conserved R2R3 MYB domain and a specific subgroup 9 motif. The expression profiles of ShMYB1 were analyzed with Real-time PCR in different tissues and developmental stages, the results showed that the gene was expressed at a high level in leaves and flowers, but no expression was detected in roots, stems or fruits, and no significant differences at different stages of leaf development, but the highest expression occurred in young buds, gradually declined during bud development. Also significant differences of ShMYB1 expression were detected between several trichome mutants and their wild types. These results suggested that the ShMYB1 gene may be involved in the initiation of trichome and the development of flowers.
