The present invention relates to a gene regulating leaf longevity of plants and a method for regulating the longevity of plants using the same. More particularly, it relates to a ORE7 gene regulating leaf longevity of plants which has a nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, and to a method for regulating the longevity of plants, in which the ORE7 gene is introduced into the plants and overexpressed, thereby delaying senescence of the plants. Plants can be transformed with ORE7 gene according to the present invention, so that the longevity of the plants is extended, thereby improving productivity and storage efficiency of the plants. Furthermore, the ORE7 gene and an ORE7 protein expressed therefrom according to the present invention are useful for studies of senescence mechanisms, and for identification of senescence-associated genes or senescence inhibitory substances, in plants.
