Aerial root growth mechanism of Prunus subgenus Cerasus × Incisa 'Gotenba zakura' and its waterlogging tolerance
Prunus subgenus Ceresus is a renowned ornamental wooden plant for its landscape applications and economic value in gardens. However, waterlogging during the rainy season in some areas cause deaths and heavy losses. Fortunately, we have found that a variety of Prunus subgenus Ceresus × Incisa 'Gotenba zakura' could generate aerial roots when suffering from heavy rains and sustainable floods. In this study, we conducted an associated analysis to explore the core regulating network of aerial root growth mechanism in Prunus subgenus Ceresus × Incisa 'Gotenba zakura' by combining phenological observations, physiological assays, and transcriptome comparisons across five separate stages. By analyzing the heatmap of DEGs and gene co-expression network (GCN), we have recognized genes that may play very critical roles under waterlogging stress. Gene network indicates that aerial roots can improve the tolerance under waterlogging by ROS degradation, endogenous hormone induction, as well as energy production. This discover provides a valid foundation of waterlogging tolerance of Prunus subgenus Ceresus, and molecular evidence for selecting promising rootstocks. Overall design: Comparative gene expression profiling analysis of genes related to the growth of the aerial roots and the waterlogging tolerance of Prunus subgenus Ceresus × Incisa 'Gotenba zakura'. Six samples in total.