Multi-omics Analysis of the Molecular Regulatory Mechanism of Drought Stress-induced Flowering in Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is an important ornamental plant, and flowering time regulation is crucial for its landscape application and economic value. Drought stress (controlled watering) is an effective method to promote flowering in Bougainvillea, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This project will use the Bougainvillea cultivar 'Imperial Thai Delight' as material, applying different levels of water restriction. Through phenotypic observation, physiological measurements, and integrative analysis of miRNA sequencing, mRNA transcriptomics, and metabolomics, we aim to systematically identify differentially expressed genes, miRNAs, and metabolites. We will construct a miRNA-mRNA-metabolite regulatory network to identify key hub genes, followed by functional validation using VIGS technology. The findings will elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms of drought-induced flowering in Bougainvillea, providing theoretical support and technical guidance for precise flowering regulation in ornamental plants.