Work

Auxin-mediated RcARF8-RcWRKY29-RcERF98 module protects the rose petals against the Botrytis cinerea by modulating ascorbic acid biosynthesis and reactive oxygen species scavenging

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: As one of the world’s most important ornamental crops, rose (Rosa sp.) is highly susceptible to grey mold disease caused by Botrytis cinerea. Outbreaks of this disease during long-distance transportation often lead to substantial economic losses. This study identifies the WRKY transcription factor RcWRKY29 as a key regulator in the defense response against B. cinerea. Integrated RNA sequencing and DNA affinity purification sequencing analyses revealed RcERF98 as a direct target of RcWRKY29. Knockdown or overexpression RcWRKY29 correspondingly altered RcERF98 transcript levels, which in turn modulated ascorbic acid (AsA) accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging in petals. Furthermore, exogenous application of naphthalene acetic acid significantly enhanced disease resistance and concurrently upregulated RcWRKY29 expression. We demonstrated that the auxin response factor RcARF8, but not RcARF1, binds to the RcWRKY29 promoter and activates its transcription. Moreover, knocking down or overexpression of RcARF8 affected the expression of both RcWRKY29 and RcERF98, thereby regulating AsA biosynthesis and ROS homeostasis, and ultimately determining disease susceptibility. Collectively, our findings reveal a signaling module in which the auxin-mediated transcription cascade involving RcARF8-RcWRKY29-RcERF98 confers resistance to B. cinerea by coordinating AsA-dependent ROS scavenging in rose petals.

Source: Horticulture Research

DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhag224