Abstract: Anti-freezing proteins (AFPs) are the new type of proteins isolated from overwintering plants,which involve in the plant responses to low temperature stress.AFPs have multiple hydrophilic icebinding domains,which can inhibit the growth and recrystallization of ice in intercellular spaces.Some AFPs are homologous to the pathogenesis-related proteins,and function with two activities,i.e.,anti-freezing and diseaseresistance.The expression and accumulation of AFPs are controlled by developmental regulation and transcriptional factors,and affected by low temperature,short day length,dehydration,and ethylene.The heterologous over-expression of genes encoding AFPs in freezing-sensitive plants can enhance the freezing resistance of host plants.In this paper,the research advances in plant AFPs’ characters and their identification,mechanisms of freezing resistance and their regulation,and genetic modification were reviewed.

Key words: Nitrogen, Apple tree, Water use efficiency