Advances in the study of senescence mechanisms in the genus Paeonia

Tree and herbaceous peony are considerably important ornamental plants within the genus Paeonia, and hold substantial horticultural value. This review summarizes the progress in research on the senescence mechanisms of tree and herbaceous peony flowers, focusing on the regulation of gene expression, hormonal interactions, and the influence of environmental factors on senescence. Using high-throughput sequencing technologies, key genes displaying differential expression during senescence have been identified, and these play central roles in hormone signaling and cellular senescence. The interactions among plant hormones, including ethylene, abscisic acid, gibberellins, cytokinins, and auxins, also play key roles in the regulation of senescence. Adjustments in antioxidant levels, as well as water and energy metabolism, are critical factors in the delay of senescence. Environmental factors, including light, temperature, drought, and salt stress, also significantly affect senescence. Additionally, this review proposes future research directions, including the expansion of the molecular regulatory network of senescence in Paeonia, the use of gene editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9, multiomics studies, and exploratory comparative research on spatial biology senescence mechanisms. These studies aim to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie senescence in Paeonia and provide a scientific basis for cultivar improvement and postharvest management of these ornamental commodities in the horticultural industry.