Integrative Biology Journals

JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH ›› 2024, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (1): 104-.DOI: 10.1007/s11676-024-01752-4

• Original Paper • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Over-expression of the Iris laevigata cold-resistance gene MYB97 improves photosynthetic capacity and photoprotection in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

Yu Shu1,2, Ruiyang Zhao1, Nuo Xu1, Yingxuan Dai1, Jyoti R. Bhera3, Aruna Kilaru3, Ling Wang1,g   

  1. 1 College of Landscape Architecture, Northeast Forestry University, 150040, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
    2 Heilongjiang Forestry Institute, 150081, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
    3 Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, 37614, Johnson City, TN, USA
  • Received:2023-11-01 Accepted:2024-01-03 Online:2024-10-16 Published:2024-10-16
  • Contact: Ling Wang

Abstract:

In northern China, light and temperature are major limiting factors for plant growth, particularly during seed production and seedling establishment. While previous studies suggested a possible role for the MYB97 gene in cold-stress, confirmation through documented evidence was lacking. In this study, we transformed the MYB97 gene from Iris laevigata into tobacco, and discovered that the gene boosted photosynthesis, photoprotection and resilience to cold. The transgenic tobacco seeds exhibited enhanced germination and accelerated seedling growth. Moreover, these plants had decreased levels of MDA (Malondialdehyde) and relative conductance, coupled with elevated concentrations of proline and soluble sugars. This response was accompanied by heightened activity of antioxidant enzymes during periods of cold stress (4 and − 2 °C). Exposure to low temperatures (0–15 °C) also reduced heights but accentuated primary root growth in transgenic tobacco plants. Additionally, tobacco leaves showed an increased growth along with higher chlorophyll levels, net photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, transpiration rates and non-photochemical quenching coefficient. This study shows that IlMYB97 (The MYB97 genes in I. laevigata) improves cold-resistance, and enhances photosynthesis and photoprotective ability, and thus overall growth and development. These findings would offer the genetic resources to further study cold resistance and photosynthesis.

Key words: Iris laevigata, MYB97, Photosynthesis, Photoprotection, Cold stress