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Dormancy dynamics in Japanese plum: transcriptomic responses to variable climatic conditions and chilling
Sara Herrera1,2,3,4, José Ignacio Hormaza5, Guillem Ylla6
1Estación Experimental de Aula Dei (EEAD-CSIC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Zaragoza, Spain. sherrera@eead.csic.es.
Planta
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Climate significantly impacts gene expression in Japanese plum (Prunus salicina hybrids), influencing dormancy and adaptation. Environmental conditions, not just dormancy stage, drive these climate- and genotype-specific responses.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Genomics
- Climate Adaptation
Background:
- Dormancy in temperate fruit trees is sensitive to environmental factors like chilling accumulation.
- Understanding dormancy regulation is crucial for Japanese plum (Prunus salicina hybrids) adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate dormancy regulation in Japanese plum under contrasting climates.
- Compare transcriptomic responses of high-chill and low-chill cultivars.
Main Methods:
- Comparative transcriptomic analysis of flower buds from two Japanese plum cultivars.
- Phenological observations and quantification of chill/heat requirements.
- Analysis across three dormancy stages: full dormancy, release, and recovery.
Main Results:
- Climate had a stronger influence on gene expression than dormancy stage.
- Cultivar- and climate-specific transcriptional responses were observed.
- Key dormancy genes (DAM, FT, SAP1) showed differential expression across climates.
Conclusions:
- Environmental conditions significantly shape gene expression, impacting dormancy and adaptation in Japanese plum.
- Findings suggest epigenetic modulation plays a role in climate adaptation.
- Results offer insights for developing climate-resilient fruit tree cultivars.
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01:10Transcription
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Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA sequence by RNA polymerase. It is the first step in producing a protein from a gene sequence. Additionally, many other proteins and regulatory sequences are involved in the proper synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA). Regulation of transcription is responsible for the differentiation of all the different types of cells and often for the proper cellular response to environmental signals.
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