Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the LBD gene family in Jasminum sambac

Jasminum sambac (L.) Ait is widely cultivated for its ornamental, medicinal, and economic value. However, infection by Sclerotium rolfsii often causes stem and root rot, severely affecting yield and quality. In this study, transcriptome and hormone profiling analyses, combined with a systematic characterization of the LBD gene family, were performed to investigate the molecular responses of J. sambac during the early stages of S. rolfsii infection. The results showed that four key genes (DjLBD09, DjLBD13, DjLBD17, and DjLBD28) exhibited significant differential expression at the early infection stage, and their expression patterns detected by qPCR were highly consistent with RNA-seq data, confirming the reliability of the transcriptome analysis. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses further suggested that these LBD genes may participate in regulating signal transduction and defense-related metabolic pathways, thereby playing central roles in early defense responses. This study not only elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying early defense against S. rolfsii in J. sambac but also provides potential targets and theoretical support for genetic improvement of disease resistance.