Auxin response factors (ARFs) are transcriptional factors that binds specifically to the DNA sequence 5'-TGTCTC-3' found in the auxin-responsive promoter elements (AuxREs) (By similarity). Could act as transcriptional activator or repressor. Involved in the control of fruit ripening process. Regulates expression of a number of ripening regulators, transcription factors, and ethylene biosynthesis and signaling components (PubMed:26716451, PubMed:26959229). May act as a transcriptional repressor of auxin-responsive genes (PubMed:26716451). Homodimers and heterodimers. Expressed in root, leaf and stem (PubMed:26716451, PubMed:21735233). Also expressed in flower and fruit (PubMed:26716451). Expressed in flower buds about three days before opening including stamen, petal and sepal with the highest in ovary (PubMed:21735233). Expression increases during floral development. Expressed during ovary development with the highest expression on the third day after the flower fully opened. By tomato fruit ripening. Expression is up-regulated by plant hormone auxin in tomato fruits. Simultaneous RNAi-mediated silencing of both ARF2A and ARF2B results in severe defects in tomato fruit ripening process (PubMed:26959229, PubMed:26716451). Plants form triple cotyledons and have enhanced root branching. Tomatoes have reduced pigment accumulation, enhanced fruit firmness, low climacteric ethylene production and inability to ripen upon exogenous application of ethylene (PubMed:26716451). The fruits are either parthenocarpic or contain only a few seeds, and the time from anthesis to breaker (Br) developmental stage is significantly extended compared to wild type fruit (PubMed:26959229). Altered expression of ethylene biosynthesis, signaling and ethylene response factor (ERF) genes and genes involved in the carotenoid pathway and ripening-related cell wall metabolism. Up-regulates auxin-responsive genes (PubMed:26716451). Down-regulated expression levels of ripening regulators, including RIN, AP2a, NOR, TAGL1, ETR3, ERF1 and CNR at the red (R) fruit stage. Expression levels of hormones such as abscisates, cytokinins and salicyclic acid are altered, and levels of carotenoids phytoene, phytofluene and lycopene are reduced in red fruits. Gibberellic acid (GA) and auxin expression levels are unchanged. Compounds normally reduced upon ripening show higher levels than wild type fruit as a result of simultaneous silencing of ARF2A and ARF2B (PubMed:26959229). Belongs to the ARF family.