A gene expression system for controllable expression of ethylene response in aplant cell includes an activationcassette comprising a DNA-binding domain that recognizes a response element,an ecdysone receptor ligand binding domain, and anactivation domain, and a target cassette comprising an inducible promoter,which comprises, in operative association, the responseelement and a minimal promoter responsive to the activation domain The geneexpression system modulates sensitivity to ethylenein transgenic plant cells, tissues, organs and entire plants in the presenceof an inducing composition controlling ethylene sensitivity.Ethylene sensitivity in such transgenic plants and tissues may be controlledfor purposes of manipulating ripening, flower senescenceand other ethylene sensitive functions of the plant
