Abstract
Michelia compressa (Maxim.) Sarg. is one of the important timber trees in Taiwan province, P. R. China. Michelia 'Zhongshanhanxiao' is a group of variants found among the progeny of M. compressa that exhibit higher growth rates compared with normal individuals, with a significantly increased stem diameter and height, as well as enlarged leaves and flowers. However, the molecular mechanisms fostering the growth advantage and morphological variations are unknown and deserve further study. Through analysing the transcriptome, metabolome and physiological processes of leaves, we identified remarkable differences in gene expression and metabolic profiles between Michelia 'Zhongshanhanxiao' and both the maternal M. compressa and its normal progeny. These differences were widely associated with a plant-pathogen interaction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, cyanoamino acid metabolism, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms and plant hormone signal transduction. Additionally, physiological measurements showed that Michelia 'Zhongshanhanxiao' possesses stronger photosynthetic capacity and higher plant hormone content. These results suggest that the heterosis of Michelia 'Zhongshanhanxiao' is regulated by candidates related to cell division, resistance to pathogens and the accumulation of organic compounds. The findings of this study provide crucial information on the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth advantages conferred by heterosis in trees.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.