Abstract: The FaNCED gene cDNA sequence was cloned from strawberry fruit（Fragaria × ananassa）using RT-PCR and RACE techniques. The cDNA sequence consists of 2 228 bp with an intact open reading frame of 1 827 bp，encoding a polypeptide of 609 amino acids. Homology analysis showed that the deduced NCED protein was highly homologous to other NCED proteins from different plant species. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that FaNCED and NCED of Malus hupehensis was gather to a same group and was more related to other NCED of nonclimacteric fruits including orange，lemon，Wenzhou pomelo and grape. Real-time PCR analysis revealed FaNCED could be expressed in different strawberry tissues including root，stem，leaf，calyx and fruit. The expression level of FaNCED has two peak during the whole period of strawberry fruit development and reached the maximum at the red ripening stage. The expression level of FaNCED gene decreased 1 d after harvest，but sharply increased later on. ABA content was consistent with the expression level of FaNCED. FaNCED may participate in ABA biosynthesis and play a role in the fruit ripening.

Key words: strawberry, 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, abscisic acid, gene, expression