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Rootstock effects on scion gene expression in maritime pine.
M López-Hinojosa1,2, N de María1,2, M A Guevara1,2
1Departamento de Ecología y Genética Forestal, Centro de Investigación Forestal (CIFOR), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain.
Scientific Reports
|June 3, 2021
Summary
Maritime pine rootstocks influence scion gene expression, particularly in drought-sensitive genotypes. Drought-tolerant rootstocks enhance stress tolerance in scions, revealing communication between plant organs.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Forest Ecology
- Genetics
Background:
- Pines are key Mediterranean forest conifers facing seasonal drought.
- Intensified droughts increase tree decay and mortality, especially in susceptible species.
- Pinus pinaster (maritime pine) exhibits significant adaptability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate rootstock-scion communication in maritime pine under drought stress.
- To analyze how rootstock genotype affects scion gene expression.
- To understand the genetic basis of drought tolerance in maritime pine.
Main Methods:
- Grafting experiments using two maritime pine siblings (Gal 1056, Oria 6) as rootstocks and progenitors as scions.
- Transcriptomic analysis of scion needles from four graft combinations.
- Differential gene expression analysis to identify affected pathways.
Main Results:
- Rootstock genotype significantly altered scion needle transcriptomic profiles.
- Drought-sensitive scions (Gal 1056) showed more differential gene expression than tolerant ones (Oria 6).
- Drought-tolerant rootstocks induced abiotic stress tolerance genes in scions, notably in Oria 6, with increased transcripts for phytohormone action, regulation, photosynthesis, and signaling.
Conclusions:
- Rootstock influences scion gene expression in maritime pine, impacting drought response.
- Communication pathways between above- and below-ground organs are crucial for tree adaptation.
- This study offers novel insights into rootstock-mediated gene expression in conifers.
