Transcriptomic changes in Cucurbita pepo fruit after cold storage: differential response between two cultivars...

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Molecular Biology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Zucchini fruit exhibits cultivar-dependent susceptibility to chilling injury (CI).
• Previous research focused on CI physiology and biochemistry, lacking molecular insights.
• This study investigates transcriptomic changes in zucchini fruit under cold storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively analyze transcriptomic alterations in zucchini fruit after cold storage.
• To identify molecular mechanisms and candidate genes associated with chilling tolerance in zucchini.

Main Methods:

• RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of zucchini exocarp.
• Comparison of gene expression at harvest versus after 14 days of storage at 4°C and 20°C.
• Identification and functional analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in two contrasting cultivars.

Main Results:

• Cold storage induced significant transcriptomic changes in zucchini fruit.
• DEGs were associated with biotic/abiotic stress responses, carbohydrate metabolism, signal transduction, and protein processing.
• Specific genes (e.g., MYB76-like, ZAT10-like) were identified as potential regulators of chilling tolerance.

Conclusions:

• This study enhances understanding of zucchini's low-temperature stress response mechanisms.
• Identified candidate genes provide a basis for developing molecular markers for cold tolerance.
• Findings will aid future zucchini breeding programs for improved cold hardiness.