The full-length transcriptome analysis of blueberry under different pH conditions
Cheng Liu1, Xin Wei1, Yuchun Yang1
1Liaoning Institute of Pomolgy, Yingkou, 115009, Liaoning, China.
BMC Plant Biology
|May 30, 2025
Summary
Understanding high soil pH tolerance in blueberries is key for cultivation. This study reveals molecular mechanisms and nutrient changes in tolerant (Reka) versus sensitive (Spartan) varieties under varying pH conditions.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- High soil pH poses challenges for blueberry cultivation, impacting nutrient availability and plant health.
- The molecular mechanisms underlying high soil pH tolerance in blueberry cultivars are not well understood.
- Developing high soil pH tolerant varieties can reduce cultivation costs and improve crop yield.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular adaptive responses of blueberry varieties to high soil pH conditions.
- To identify key genes and pathways involved in high soil pH tolerance in blueberries.
- To compare the transcriptomic and nutrient profiles of a high pH-tolerant and a sensitive blueberry cultivar under different pH treatments.
Main Methods:
- Hydroponic treatment of blueberry cultivars (Spartan and Reka) with low and high pH solutions.
- Nutrient content analysis of roots and leaves to assess mineral uptake (Al, Fe, K, N, P).
- Full-length transcriptome sequencing and analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DETs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).
- Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify hub genes associated with high pH tolerance.
Main Results:
- Significant alterations in Al, Fe, K, N, and P content were observed between pH treatments and cultivars.
- A total of 131,143 transcripts were identified, including 18,193 novel transcripts and 887 predicted lncRNAs.
- Differential gene expression analysis revealed numerous up-regulated and down-regulated genes in both leaves and roots of the tolerant Reka cultivar under high pH.
- Specific identification of Al-, Fe-, P-, and K-responsive genes, along with key hub genes (e.g., glycosyl hydrolases, membrane transport proteins, AUX/IAA family) involved in high pH adaptation.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying high soil pH tolerance in blueberries.
- Identified genes and pathways offer a theoretical basis for breeding high soil pH tolerant blueberry varieties.
- Nutrient dynamics and differential gene expression are critical components of blueberry adaptation to high pH soils.
