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