Bud endodormancy in deciduous fruit trees: advances and prospects

Area of Science:

• Plant Physiology
• Molecular Biology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Bud endodormancy is vital for deciduous perennial plants' survival and development.
• Timely endodormancy release is essential for flowering and fruit production in deciduous fruit trees.
• Understanding endodormancy mechanisms aids in artificial regulation for climate change adaptation and developing new cultivars with specific chilling requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular regulation of endodormancy induction, maintenance, and release in floral buds of deciduous fruit trees.
• To describe recent advances in quantitative trait loci analysis for chilling requirements in fruit trees.
• To propose a regulatory model for bud endodormancy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on molecular regulation of bud endodormancy.
• Analysis of phytohormones, epigenetic regulation, and gene networks.
• Integration of previous studies and new observations to propose a model.

Main Results:

• The molecular network controlling endodormancy involves phytohormones and epigenetic regulation.
• SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) and Dormancy-associated MADS-box (DAM) genes are central to endodormancy maintenance and release.
• A comprehensive regulatory model for bud endodormancy has been proposed.

Conclusions:

• Further research into floral bud endodormancy in fruit trees is needed.
• The proposed regulatory model provides insights into endodormancy mechanisms.
• This knowledge can guide strategies for managing chilling requirements and developing climate-resilient fruit tree cultivars.