The chapter discusses the genetic regulation of fruit development and ripening, focusing on the unique aspects of this process in plants. It highlights recent discoveries that have elucidated the molecular basis of developmental ripening control, identified common regulators of climacteric and nonclimacteric ripening physiology, and defined new roles for MADS box genes in late floral development. The text also explores the role of ethylene signaling in tomato, the importance of light signaling in fruit carotenoid accumulation, and the potential for practical manipulation of fruit pigmentation and nutrient content. Additionally, it reviews the development of genomics tools, such as ESTs and cDNA microarrays, which are expected to accelerate research in fruit development and ripening. The chapter emphasizes the significance of Arabidopsis and tomato as model systems for understanding these processes, particularly in the context of climacteric and nonclimacteric ripening. It also discusses the regulatory mechanisms of ethylene synthesis and signaling during climacteric ripening, and the role of cell walls in fruit softening. Finally, it touches on the potential of genomics in advancing our understanding of fruit development and ripening in various species.The chapter discusses the genetic regulation of fruit development and ripening, focusing on the unique aspects of this process in plants. It highlights recent discoveries that have elucidated the molecular basis of developmental ripening control, identified common regulators of climacteric and nonclimacteric ripening physiology, and defined new roles for MADS box genes in late floral development. The text also explores the role of ethylene signaling in tomato, the importance of light signaling in fruit carotenoid accumulation, and the potential for practical manipulation of fruit pigmentation and nutrient content. Additionally, it reviews the development of genomics tools, such as ESTs and cDNA microarrays, which are expected to accelerate research in fruit development and ripening. The chapter emphasizes the significance of Arabidopsis and tomato as model systems for understanding these processes, particularly in the context of climacteric and nonclimacteric ripening. It also discusses the regulatory mechanisms of ethylene synthesis and signaling during climacteric ripening, and the role of cell walls in fruit softening. Finally, it touches on the potential of genomics in advancing our understanding of fruit development and ripening in various species.