Cao and colleagues have identified 39 genes crucial for flower opening and stress response in Osmanthus fragrans, a plant prized for its fragrant flowers. Their study, published in Ornamental Plant Research, reveals how these genes orchestrate flower opening and help the plant cope with environmental stresses.
“Osmanthus fragrans, one of the ten most traditional flowers in China, is widely cultivated as a garden tree in many countries because of its remarkable ornamental value and delightful fragrance. Although genome-wide analysis of the Aux/IAA gene family has been performed in various species, the identification, characterization, and functional analysis of Aux/IAA family genes in O. fragrans have remained unexplored.”
The researchers identified 39 Aux/IAA genes in the O. fragrans genome, each playing a role in the plant’s growth and stress response. By analyzing gene expression patterns, they found that 18 of these genes showed significant changes in activity during flower opening. This suggests a complex genetic mechanism underlying the blooming process in O. fragrans.
Further investigation revealed that several Aux/IAA genes respond to salt and drought stress. Three genes showed altered expression under salt stress, while eleven responded to drought conditions. This dual role in both development and stress response highlights the versatility of the Aux/IAA gene family.
The team employed advanced genomic techniques, including transcriptome sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR, to map the genes and analyze their expression patterns. This approach allowed them to observe gene activity in different plant tissues and under various environmental conditions.
The study provides a foundation for future research into improving plant resilience and controlling flowering time, which could have significant implications for horticulture and agriculture in the face of climate change.
Cao, S., Ye, Y., Zheng, Z., Zhong, S., Wang, Y., et al. 2024. Aux/IAA gene family identification and analysis reveals roles in flower opening and abiotic stress response in Osmanthus fragrans. Ornamental Plant Research https://doi.org/10.48130/opr-0024-0025 (OA)
