Scholarlink

Main conclusion <p>The constitutive overexpression of <i>CsNF-YA5</i> in transgenic Swingle citrumelo rootstocks enhanced drought tolerance by improving stomatal regulation, antioxidant defense, and root recovery capacity. These physiological and molecular adjustments, most evident in line NF52, also benefited the grafted sweet orange scion, highlighting the potential of transgenic rootstocks to enhance citrus resilience under water-deficit conditions.</p> Abstract <p>Drought stress represents a critical challenge for citrus cultivation, directly affecting plant development and productivity. This study investigated the potential of the <i>CsNF-YA5</i> gene, an NF-Y transcription factor, to confer drought stress tolerance in citrus rootstocks. Transgenic Swingle citrumelo plants overexpressing <i>CsNF-YA5</i> from rangpur lime (<i>Citrus limonia</i> Osb.) were developed and evaluated under different water regimes controlled by leaf water potential (Ψleaf): control (− 0.2 to − 0.4&#xa0;MPa), moderate stress (− 1.0 to − 1.5&#xa0;MPa), and severe stress (&lt; − 1.5&#xa0;MPa), followed by rehydration. Through physiological (gas exchange, water-use efficiency), biochemical (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> accumulation), and molecular (gene expression by RT-qPCR) parameters, we demonstrated that transgenic plants, particularly the NF52 line, exhibited improved stomatal regulation, reduced leaf dehydration rates, and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation compared to wild-type genotype. Additionally, the NF52 line showed faster post-rehydration recovery and enhanced root system development. Importantly, the beneficial effects were not restricted to the rootstock: ‘Valencia’ sweet orange grafted onto transgenic Swingle citrumelo also exhibited higher water-use efficiency, lower H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> accumulation, and better recovery after stress. These results provide compelling evidence that <i>CsNF-YA5</i> overexpression coordinately modulates drought stress responses in both citrus rootstocks and grafted plants, representing a promising biotechnological strategy for the development of climate-resilient citrus.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Overexpression of CsNF-YA5 enhances drought tolerance in citrus rootstocks and grafted plants: a biotechnological strategy for crop resilience

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月26日

查看全文
  • Dilson S. Rocha Júnior,
  • Matheus A. Nogueira,
  • Cristina P. S. Martins,
  • Marcio G. C. Costa,
  • Marcos A. Machado,
  • Raquel L. Boscariol-Camargo

摘要

Main conclusion

The constitutive overexpression of CsNF-YA5 in transgenic Swingle citrumelo rootstocks enhanced drought tolerance by improving stomatal regulation, antioxidant defense, and root recovery capacity. These physiological and molecular adjustments, most evident in line NF52, also benefited the grafted sweet orange scion, highlighting the potential of transgenic rootstocks to enhance citrus resilience under water-deficit conditions.

Abstract

Drought stress represents a critical challenge for citrus cultivation, directly affecting plant development and productivity. This study investigated the potential of the CsNF-YA5 gene, an NF-Y transcription factor, to confer drought stress tolerance in citrus rootstocks. Transgenic Swingle citrumelo plants overexpressing CsNF-YA5 from rangpur lime (Citrus limonia Osb.) were developed and evaluated under different water regimes controlled by leaf water potential (Ψleaf): control (− 0.2 to − 0.4 MPa), moderate stress (− 1.0 to − 1.5 MPa), and severe stress (< − 1.5 MPa), followed by rehydration. Through physiological (gas exchange, water-use efficiency), biochemical (H2O2 accumulation), and molecular (gene expression by RT-qPCR) parameters, we demonstrated that transgenic plants, particularly the NF52 line, exhibited improved stomatal regulation, reduced leaf dehydration rates, and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation compared to wild-type genotype. Additionally, the NF52 line showed faster post-rehydration recovery and enhanced root system development. Importantly, the beneficial effects were not restricted to the rootstock: ‘Valencia’ sweet orange grafted onto transgenic Swingle citrumelo also exhibited higher water-use efficiency, lower H2O2 accumulation, and better recovery after stress. These results provide compelling evidence that CsNF-YA5 overexpression coordinately modulates drought stress responses in both citrus rootstocks and grafted plants, representing a promising biotechnological strategy for the development of climate-resilient citrus.