Work

Transcriptomic Analysis of Gibberellin-Mediated Flower Opening Process in Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Gibberellin (GA3) plays a crucial role in regulating the flowering time of tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.). However, its function on flower opening after dormancy release remains unclear, and its molecular mechanism need further study. We investigated the effects of exogenous GA3 treatments at 800 mg/L, 900 mg/L, and 1000 mg/L on the flowering process of five-year-old peony plants (‘Luhehong’) under greenhouse conditions. Our results showed that exogenous GA3 significantly accelerated the flower opening process. Specifically, flower buds treated with 800 mg/L and 900 mg/L GA3 bloomed after 42 and 45 days, respectively. In contrast, all flower buds treated with 1000 mg/L GA3 aborted, while only one flower bud in the control group bloomed after 56 days. Furthermore, analysis of endogenous hormone levels revealed that GA3 treatment rapidly increased endogenous GA3 levels, decreased ABA levels, and gradually increased IAA levels. Transcriptomic analysis of flower buds released from dormancy following GA3 treatment identified multiple key genes involved in the flower opening process of peony. Notably, members of the C2H2, C3H, ERF, bHLH, MYB, bZIP, NAC, and WRKY families showed significant differential expression. Moreover, several key genes involved in GA3, ABA, and IAA hormone signaling pathways were also differentially expressed. Our findings suggested that an appropriate concentration of exogenous GA3 treatment could accelerate the flower opening process in tree peony through multiple pathways, which would provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the gibberellin-mediated flower opening process in tree peony.

Source: Plants

DOI: 10.3390/plants14071002