Abstract: In this study，based on the update of the tomato genome database，we performed the systematical analysis of tomato AP2/ERF superfamily members，including their chromosomal localization，conserved motifs，gene structure，and responses to Botrytis cinerea and auxin stress. A total of 141 ERF family genes including 42 new ones were identified and randomly distributed on 12 chromosomes. Most of them only contained one exon. Some genes could be induced by B. cinerea and auxin treatment in different degrees. AtERF109 plays important roles in both growth and development and stress responses in Arabidopsis，and tomato homologous gene SlERF.D.3 could be inhibited by B. cinerea and induced by auxin rapidly and strongly. In order to further clarify the biological function of SlERF.D.3，its coding region of 888 bp was cloned from tomato variety‘Ailsa Craig’and constructed into the overexpression vector. Three transgenic tomato lines overexpressing SlERF.D.3 were obtained through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and had more slender and downward curling leaves，and the external surface of the fruits had a small number of protuberances compared to wild type. This study provides a basis for further clarifying SlERF.D.3’s role in the regulation of plant growth and development and stress responses.

Key words: tomato, ERF family, SlERF.D.3, growth and development