The auxin response factor gene (DL-ARF1） was cloned from embryogenic calli of longan （Dimocarpus longan Lour.） by the RT-PCR with RACE method.The obtained sequence and putative amino acid sequence were analyzed by bioinformatics methods.Then the mRNA transcription level of the gene in the process of somatic embryogenesis was determined by qRT-PCR (real-time reverse transcription PCR) method.The results were as follows：The full length mRNA sequence of DL-ARF1 gene(GenBank，GQ923778） was about 2 695 bp，consisting of an open reading frame(ORF) of 2 046 bp，5′ and 3′ untranslated regions(UTR) of 163 bp and 486 bp，respectively.The putative protein had 681 amino acids，and the identity with other polypeptides varied between 40%~81%.DL-ARF1 gene was probably belonged to the transcription inhibitor and expressed in 8 different stages during somatic embryogenesis，which showed approximately a bimodal curve.The peak mRNA transcription level of DL- ARF1 gene occurred at the embryogenic callus Ⅱ(Stage 2).