Work

Transcriptional Regulatory Mechanisms of Blueberry Endophytes in Enhancing Aluminum (Al) Tolerance in Pumpkins

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aluminum (Al) stress is an important factor that inhibits crop growth in acidic soils and poses a threat to pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) production. In this study, we investigated the effect of endophyte (endophyte) strain J01 of blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) on the growth, development, and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of pumpkin under aluminum stress. The results showed that the blueberry endophyte strain J01 significantly increased the root length of pumpkin under aluminum stress, promoted the growth of lateral roots, and increased root vigor; strain J01 reduced the content of MDA and the relative conductivity in the root system; strain J01 enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the root system but inhibited ascorbate peroxidase activity. Transcriptome analysis further revealed that strain J01 significantly regulated the expression of key genes associated with aluminum tolerance, including the upregulation of transporter protein genes (aluminum-activated malate transporter and aquaporin), affecting the gene expression levels of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase) and cell wall modification genes (xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase and pectin methylesterase). This study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for using microbial resources to improve aluminum tolerance in cucurbit crops.

Source: Horticulturae

DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae11080887

Authors: Qiang Chen, Xinqi Guo, Hongbo Pang, Ying Zhang, Haiyan Lv, Chong Zhang

Institutions: Shenyang Normal University, Jilin Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Aluminum toxicity and tolerance in plants and animals

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654