Identification of Self-Incompatibility Related Genes in Sweet Cherry Based on Transcriptomic Analysis

Area of Science:

• Plant reproductive biology
• Molecular genetics
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Most sweet cherry varieties have gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI), requiring cross-pollination for fruit production.
• This necessitates complex orchard management and increases costs.
• Developing self-compatible cultivars is crucial for efficient sweet cherry cultivation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms of GSI in sweet cherries.
• To identify key genes and pathways involved in the self-incompatibility response.
• To provide genetic resources for breeding self-compatible sweet cherry varieties.

Main Methods:

• Assessed fruit set rates of 'Tieton' under self- and cross-pollination.
• Performed transcriptome analysis of 'Tieton' styles at various time points post-pollination.
• Utilized KEGG pathway analysis and co-expression analysis to identify key genes and transcription factors.

Main Results:

• 'Tieton' showed significantly lower self-fruit set compared to cross-pollination.
• Identified 8148 differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
• Key pathways involved in GSI include plant-pathogen interaction, hormone signal transduction, and MAPK signaling.
• Identified 13 core transcription factors and 132 associated core DEGs.

Conclusions:

• This study provides initial insights into the sweet cherry GSI molecular network.
• Identified crucial genes and transcription factors regulating self-incompatibility.
• Offers a theoretical foundation and genetic resources for breeding self-compatible sweet cherries.