Woody Ornamental Plants Research Articles

HDACs Gene Family Analysis of Eight Rosaceae Genomes Reveals the Genomic Marker of Cold Stress in Prunus mume.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play important roles in plant growth, development, and stress response. However, the pattern of how they are expressed in response to cold stress in the ornamental woody plant Prunus mume is poorly understood. Here, we identify 121 RoHDACs from eight Rosaceae plants of which 13 PmHDACs genes are from P. mume. A phylogenetic analysis suggests that the RoHDACs family is classified into three subfamilies, HDA1/RPD3, HD2, and SIR2. We identify 11 segmental duplication gene pairs of RoHDACs and find, via a sequence alignment, that the HDACs gene family, especially the plant-specific HD2 family, has experienced gene expansion and contraction at a recent genome evolution history. Each of the three HDACs subfamilies has its own conserved domains. The expression of PmHDACs in mei is found to be tissue-specific or tissue-wide. RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR experiments in cold treatments suggest that almost all PmHDACs genes—especially PmHDA1/6/14, PmHDT1, and PmSRT1/2—significantly respond to cold stress. Our analysis provides a fundamental insight into the phylogenetic relationship of the HDACs family in Rosaceae plants. Expression profiles of PmHDACs in response to cold stress could provide an important clue to improve the cold hardiness of mei.

Different pruning level effects on flowering period and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum.

“Pruning” is a simple and efficient way to control the flowering period, but it is rarely used in perennial woody ornamental plants. In this paper, Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum was pruned in different degrees, and the relationship between pruning intensity and flowering number, and flowering time and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were compared. After statistics, it was found that pruning could advance blossoms of L. chinense var. rubrum; also, light and heavy cutting could both obtain a larger number of flowers. In addition, through correlation analysis, it was found that during the flowering period, the Rfd parameter of the unpruned treatment had a very significant positive correlation with the number of flowers FN, which was 0.81. In other pruning treatment groups, Rfd and FN also presented a certain positive correlation, indicating that the Rfd parameter can be used to predict the number of flowers during the flowering process of L. chinense var. rubrum. The research results provided a new idea for the regulation of the flowering period of L. chinense var. rubrum and other woody ornamental plants and laid the foundation for the diversified application of L. chinense var. rubrum.

Mapping Floral Genetic Architecture in Prunus mume, an Ornamental Woody Plant.

Floral traits are both evolutionarily and economically relevant for ornamental plants. However, their underlying genetic architecture, especially in woody ornamental plants, is still poorly understood. We perform mapping experiments aimed at identifying specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that control the size, shape, architecture, color, and timing of flowers in mei (Prunus mume). We find that the narrow region of chromosome 1 (5–15 Mb) contains a number of floral QTLs. Most QTLs detected from this mapping study are annotated to candidate genes that regulate various biological functions toward the floral formation. We identify strong pleiotropic control on different aspects of flower morphology (including shape, petal number, pistil number, petal color, and calyx color) and flower timing, but find different genetic systems that mediate whether a flower produces pistils and how many pistils a flower produces. We find that many floral QTLs display pleiotropic effects on shoot length growth but shoot radial growth, implicating a possible association of floral display with light capture. We conduct a transcriptomic study to characterize the genomic signature of floral QTLs expressed in mei. Our mapping results about the genetic control of floral features make it promising to select superior varieties for mei carrying flowers of ornamental value.

Transcriptomic and Chemical Analyses Reveal the Hub Regulators of Flower Color Variation from Camellia japonica Bud Sport

Camellia japonica is a woody ornamental plant with multiple flower color variations caused by bud sport; however, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here, chemical and transcriptomic analyses of C. japonica were performed with white, pink, red, and dark red flowers caused by bud sport. Seven anthocyanins were detected in these samples, except in C. japonica ‘YuDan’ (white petals). The total anthocyanin content of C. japonica ‘JinBiHuiHuang’ was the highest, and cyanidin 3-O-β-glucoside (Cy3G) was the main anthocyanin affecting the redness of petals. Furthermore, the ratio of Cy3G and cyanidin-3-O-(6-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl)-B-glucoside) was significantly correlated with the red petal phenotype. In total, 5673 genes were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The potential co-expression modules related to anthocyanin accumulation were established, which featured transcription factors, anthocyanin biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction. Thirteen structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway were identified as DEGs, most of them were upregulated with deepening of flower redness. An integrated promoter and cluster analysis suggested that CjMYB62, CjMYB52, and CjGATA may play important roles in anthocyanin accumulation. These results provide insight and candidate genes for the transcriptional mechanism responsible for the bud sport phenotype.

Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal genes related to pigmentation in the petals of a flower color variation cultivar of Rhododendron obtusum.

Rhododendron is an important woody ornamental plant, and breeding varieties with different colors is a key research goal. Although there have been a few reports on the molecular mechanisms of flower colors and color patterning in Rhododendron, it is still largely unknown what factors regulate flower pigmentation in Rhododendron. In this study, the flower color variation cultivar 'Yanzhi Mi' and the wild-type (WT) cultivar 'Dayuanyangjin' were used as research objects, and the pigments and transcriptomes of their petals during five flower development stages were analyzed and compared. The results showed that derivatives of cyanidin, peonidin and pelargonidin might be responsible for the pink color of mutant petals and that the S2 stage was the key stage of flower color formation. In total, 412,910 transcripts and 2780 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in pairwise comparisons of WT and mutant petals. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the DEGs showed that 'DNA-binding transcription factor activity', 'Flavonoid biosynthesis' and 'Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis' were more active in mutant petals. Early anthocyanin pathway candidate DEGs (CHS3-CHS6, CHI, F3Hs and F3'H) were significantly correlated and were more highly expressed in mutant petals than in WT petals in the S2 stage. An R2R3-MYB unigene (TRINITY_DN55156_c1_g2) was upregulated approximately 10.5-fold in 'Yanzhi Mi' petals relative to 'Dayuanyangjin' petals in the S2 stage, and an R2R3-MYB unigene (TRINITY_DN59015_c3_g2) that was significantly downregulated in 'Yanzhi Mi' petals in the S2 stage was found to be closely related to Tca MYB112 in cacao. Taken together, the results of the present study could shed light on the molecular basis of anthocyanin biosynthesis in two Rhododendron obtusum cultivars and may provide a genetic resource for breeding varieties with different flower colors.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of the bHLH gene family in an ornamental woody plant Prunus mume

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family is the second-largest family in plants, where it plays essential roles in development, and the responses to multiple abiotic and biotic stressors. However, little information is available about this gene family in Prunus mume, which is widely cultivated in East Asia as an ornamental fruit tree. Here, 100 PmbHLH genes were identified, and their evolution and functions were explored in P. mume for the first time. The PmbHLH genes were classified into 21 subfamilies. The chromosomal distribution, physicochemical properties, bHLH domain, conserved motif, and intron/exon compositions were also analyzed. Furthermore, the evolutionary pattern, divergence time of the PmbHLH family, and genetic relationships among P. mume, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Prunus persica and Fragaria vesca of Rosaceae were explored. The functional prediction analysis of these PmbHLHs indicated that their functions varied, and included participating in the formation of organs and tissues, responding to stress, and the biosynthesis and metabolism of hormones and other secondary metabolites. Interestingly, expression analyses of PmbHLHs also revealed diverse expression patterns. Most of the PmbHLH genes were highly expressed in roots and stems, and a few were highly expressed in leaves, buds, and fruits, indicating tissue expression specificity. Eight PmbHLH genes, which were upregulated during low-temperature stress, may have critical roles in the response to cold stress. Ten PmbHLHs were differentially expressed between weeping and upright branches in a P. mume F1 population. These results shed light on the structure and evolution of the PmbHLH gene family, and lay a foundation for further functional studies of the bHLH genes.

Transcriptomic and physiological analysis identifies a gene network module highly associated with brassinosteroid regulation in hybrid sweetgum tissues differing in the capability of somatic embryogenesis.

Somatic embryogenesis is a preferred method for large-scale production of forest trees due to its high propagation efficiency. In this study, hybrid sweetgum leaves with phase changes from mature to embryogenic state were selected as experimental material to study somatic embryo initiation. Embryogenicity ranged from high to low, i.e. from 45%, 25%, and 12.5% to 0, with the samples of embryogenic callus (EC), whiten leaf edge (WLI), whiten leaf (WLII), and green leaf (GL) respectively. High correlations existed between embryogenicity and endogenous brassinosteroids (BRs) (r = 0.95, p < 0.05). Similarly, concentrations of endogenous BRs of the sample set correlated positively (r = 0.93, 0.99, 0.87, 0.99, 0.96 respectively, P < 0.05) to expression of somatic embryo (SE)-related genes, i.e. BBM, LEC2, ABI3, PLT2, and WOX2. Hierarchical cluster and weighted gene coexpression network analysis identified modules of coexpressed genes and network in 4820 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from All-BR-Regulated Genes (ABRG). Moreover, exogenously-supplemented epiBR, together with 2,4-D and 6-BA, increased embryogenicity of GL-sourced callus, and expression of SE- and auxin-related genes, while brassinazole (BRZ), a BR biosynthesis inhibitor, reduced embryogenicity. Evidences obtained in this study revealed that BRs involved in phase change of leaf explants and may function in regulating gene expression and enhancing auxin effects. This study successfully established protocols for inducing somatic embryogenesis from leaf explants in hybrid sweetgum, which could facilitate the propagation process greatly, and provide theoretical basis for manipulating SE competence of explants in ornamental woody plants.

Formation of a collection of magnolia (Magnoliaceae Juss.) in the Stavropol Botanical Garden

The purpose of the work is to study the ways of forming the collection fund of magnoliaceae in the Stavropol Botanical Garden named after V.V. Skripchinsky (SBG), to assess the current state of the collection and prospects for development. The relevance and practical significance of studying representatives of magnolias comes from the increased needs to expand the assortment of highly ornamental woody plants for landscaping settlements of the Stavropol Territory. The object of the study was the plants of the SBG collection. For reviewing the history of the introduction of magnolias the archival data and reporting documentation were used. Phenological indicators were recorded according to the generally accepted methodology for the botanical gardens of the USSR. The height of the plants was measured with a SUUNTO PM-5 altimeter. The work was carried out in 2020-2022. The SBG has been interested in magnolias since the first years of the garden’s creation (since 1959). As of 2021, there were 8 species and hybrid taxa from two genera of the Magnoliaceae family in the SBG collection, represented by 17 specimens. The life form is characteristic of the studied taxa: large shrubs (Magnolia kobus, M. liliifl ora, M. × soulangeana), low-stemmed (M. kobus, M. kobus var. borealis, M. × loebneri) and tall trees (M. acuminata), sometimes multi-stemmed (Liriodendron tulipifera). The article describes the characteristics of the magnolias available in the collection: their age, size, main phenological phases. The quality of flowering magnolias is influenced by a decrease in temperatures in the early spring period: prolonged cooling causes freezing of generative buds or “rusting” of petals. As a result of long-term study by the staff of M.A. Koltsova, A.F. Koltsov, E.V. Pyatko, the species M. acuminata, M. kobus, M. kobus var. borealis, M. liliiflora are recommended for further use in landscaping in the Stavropol region. In 2021, work continued on the formation of a collection of magnolias: two-year seedlings of 9 varieties and 2 species of deciduous magnolias were obtained for further introduction study.

Перспективный гибрид Magnolia × loebneri на юге Дальнего Востока России: возможности использования в декоративном садоводстве региона

The report presents some results of Magnolia × loebneri cultivation in the Botanical GardenInstitute FEB RAS (Vladivostok). In the climatic conditions of southern Far East of Russia, M. × loebneri showed significant winter hardiness and stable abundant flowering, exceeding the characteristics of parental species (Magnolia kobus × Magnolia stellata), as well as high resistance to diseases and pests. In this regard, it seems very promising to include M. × loebneri in the assortment of ornamental woody plants, used in landscaping and develop its introduction tests in Primorsky Krai.

Differentially Expressed Genes Related to Flowering Transition between Once- and Continuous-Flowering Roses.

Roses are the most important cut flower crops and widely used woody ornamental plants in gardens throughout the world, and they are model plants for studying the continuous-flowering trait of woody plants. To analyze the molecular regulation mechanism of continuous flowering, comparative transcriptome data of once- and continuous-flowering roses in our previous study were used to conduct weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to obtain the candidate genes related to flowering transitions. The expression patterns of candidate genes at different developmental stages between Rosa chinensis “Old Blush” (continuous-flowering cultivar) and R. “Huan Die” (once-flowering cultivar) were investigated, and the relationship of the key gene with the endogenous hormone was analyzed. The results showed that the expression trends of VIN3-LIKE 1 (VIL1), FRIGIDA- LIKE 3 (FRI3), APETALA 2- LIKE (AP2-like) and CONSTANS-LIKE 2 (CO-like 2) genes were significantly different between “Old Blush” and “Huan Die”, and the expression trends of SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1 (SOC1) and CO-like 2 were consistent in the flowering transition of “Old Blush” under different environments. The changes in cytokinin and gibberellic acid (GA3) content were different in the two rose cultivars. The overall change trend of the abscisic acid and GA3 in the flowering transition of “Old Blush” under different environments was consistent. The promoter sequence of CO-like 2 contained a P-box element associated with gibberellin response, as well as binding sites for transcription factors. In a word, we found CO-like 2 associated with continuous flowering and some factors that may synergistically regulate continuous flowering. The results provided a reference for elucidating the molecular regulatory mechanisms of continuous-flowering traits in roses.

The chromosome-level genome provides insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the tortuous-branch phenotype of Prunus mume.

Summary Plant with naturally twisted branches is referred to as a tortuous‐branch plant, which have extremely high ornamental value due to their zigzag shape and the natural twisting of their branches. Prunus mume is an important woody ornamental plant. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this unique trait in Prunus genus is unknown.Here, we present a chromosome‐level genome assembly of the cultivated P. mume var. tortuosa created using Oxford Nanopore combined with Hi‐C scaffolding, which resulted in a 237.8 Mb genome assembly being anchored onto eight pseudochromosomes.Molecular dating indicated that P. mume is the most recently differentiated species in Prunus. Genes associated with cell division, development and plant hormones play essential roles in the formation of tortuous branch trait. A putative regulatory pathway for the tortuous branch trait was constructed based on gene expression levels. Furthermore, after transferring candidate PmCYCD genes into Arabidopsis thaliana, we found that seedlings overexpressing these genes exhibited curled rosette leaves.Our results provide insights into the evolutionary history of recently differentiated species in Prunus genus, the molecular basis of stem morphology, and the molecular mechanism underlying the tortuous branch trait and highlight the utility of multi‐omics in deciphering the properties of P. mume plant architecture.

The edible flowers from woody ornamental plants

The edible flowers from woody ornamental plants

High fungal species diversity in association with woody ornamental plants: Colletotrichum as a case study

High fungal species diversity in association with woody ornamental plants: <i>Colletotrichum</i> as a case study

Desertification, environmental, climatic change and role of trees, shrubs and green areas

Background: Desertification exacerbated and raised by climate change and represents one of the greatest environmental challenges of our times. Also, Desertification and climate change are an old phenomenon has not been a threat to life people, in the past so as to provide the natural ecological balance back then, but because of the range of the factors, we will recall it. The desertification and climate changes has started to worsen and its negative effects have increased at all levels, Economic, social and development. Trees, woody shrubs and ornamental plants represent an ever-important group in that they are the raw source for many important industries such as the manufacture of wood, food and medicine, health care (alternative medicine) and as windbreaks, and they play an important role in improving the environment, especially in light of the current climate changes. Main body: During recent years, the interest in planting woody trees and ornamental plants has increased, and its role has remained confined to a narrow range. It's important and fundamental role as a primary locomotive in combating desertification, sand encroachment and sand dunes, resisting successive climate changes, improving the environment and protecting it from pollution, as well as its prominent role in addressing the big problems that result from The movement of sand dunes and their threat to industrial and residential facilities, roads, farms,.... etc. Conclusion: The role of plants, trees, green areas are combating desertification and climate change, these trees does not depend on protecting farms only, but extending them to protecting urban communities and new cities from sand, which may lead to completely covering homes and establishments, but also to destroy the entire infrastructure (roads, tunnels, electricity, irrigation lines, railways ... It also plays a role in protecting the beaches and coastal areas from the high waves.

Integrative analysis of HD-Zip III gene PmHB1 contribute to the plant architecture in Prunus mume

Mei (Prunus mume) is a traditional fruit and ornamental woody plant. P. mume cultivars with dwarf and dense intersecting branched tree architecture are essential for enhancing the ornamental value and application diversity, such as bonsai, flower arrangement and potted plants. However, little is known about the mechanism of branching in P. mume. The apical meristem produces the organs of the above-ground part, which is essential for branch development. The HD-Zip III subfamily transcription factors influence the development of multiple lateral organs and meristem maintenance. However, their roles in regulating tree architecture have not been studied in P. mume. Here, the PmHB1 gene, encoding the HD-Zip III subfamily transcription factor, was strongly expressed in the hypocotyl, young leaf, root primordia, leaf bud, flower bud, style, and vascular tissues in leaf and inflorescence, which could respond to multiple plant hormones (such as GA3, IAA, ZA, KT, and BR). It is worth noting that there was a significant correlation between branch quantity and PmHB1 expression level in different mei cultivars. The formation of PmHB1 protein was controlled through the miR165/166 post-transcriptional regulation. Overexpression of the PmHB1 gene in Arabidopsis increased of the number of primary axillary inflorescence in leaf axil and secondary axillary inflorescence in the cauline leaf axil. The expression levels of genes involved in meristem maintenance (CLV3, RAP2.6 L, STM, BEL1, PEAR, WUS), auxin metabolism and signal transduction (IAA30, IAA20, PIN1, LAX3, LAX2, YUCCA5, TAA1, MP), cytokinin metabolism, and signaling transduction (IPT4, IPT7, ARR1, ARR2, MET1) were significantly changed in transgenic Arabidopsis. Moreover, according to yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiments, the transcription factor PmHB1 could interact with multiple proteins, such as Pm005033 (PmCSN5A), Pm005297 (PmHSFB4), Pm016138 (PmSPL13A), Pm024774 (PmEB1A), and Pm026192 (PmZPR4). Taken together, the PmHB1 gene could regulate the apical meristem development and promote the branching in P. mume.

Genome-Wide Identification and Low-Temperature Expression Analysis of bHLH Genes in Prunus mume.

Prunus mume is an illustrious ornamental woody plant with colorful flowers, delicate fragrances, and graceful tree forms. Low temperature limits its geographical distribution. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins exist in most eukaryotes as a transcription factor superfamily, which play a crucial role in metabolism, physiology, development, and response to various stresses of higher organisms. However, the characteristics of the bHLH gene family and low-temperature response remain unknown in P. mume. In the present study, we distinguished 95 PmbHLH genes in the P. mume whole-genome and analyzed their features. PmbHLHs were divided into 23 subfamilies and one orphan by phylogenetic analysis. Similar gene structures and conserved motifs appeared in the same subfamily. These genes were situated in eight chromosomes and scaffolds. Gene duplication events performed a close relationship to P. mume, P. persica, and P. avium. Tandem duplications probably promoted the expansion of PmbHLHs. According to predicted binding activities, the PmbHLHs were defined as the Non-DNA-binding proteins and DNA-binding proteins. Furthermore, PmbHLHs exhibited tissue-specific and low-temperature induced expression patterns. By analyzing transcriptome data, 10 PmbHLHs which are responsive to low-temperature stress were selected. The qRT-PCR results showed that the ten PmbHLH genes could respond to low-temperature stress at different degrees. There were differences in multiple variations among different varieties. This study provides a basis to research the evolution and low-temperature tolerance of PmbHLHs, and might enhance breeding programs of P. mume by improving low-temperature tolerance.

A nursery system nitrogen balance for production of a containerized woody ornamental plant

To reduce nitrate contamination of groundwater in intensive agricultural production areas, crop producers should identify nitrogen (N) inputs and outputs to calculate potential N available for leaching into groundwater. However, poor understanding of N fate in container plant production may result in inaccurate estimation of potentially leachable N. To improve understanding of container-applied N fate, an experiment was conducted to measure N inputs and outputs from a woody ornamental plant (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whitt II’) production system fertilized with controlled-release and surface-applied fertilizer. Two experimental bed types, polyethylene-lined and unlined, were installed at a production nursery in California. Measured N inputs included: the substrate, with fertilizer and roots, and irrigation water N. Outputs included: N remaining in the substrate and plant shoots at the end of the production cycle, nitrous oxide-N gas lost from the substrate and bed soil, and aqueous N lost in runoff during the production cycle. There was a significant difference in runoff N losses from the lined and unlined beds. The difference in runoff N lost between bed types was the amount of N infiltrating into the soil below the growing bed surface. The majority of input N either remained in the growing substrate (57%) at end of production cycle or was taken up by the plant shoots (5%). Nitrous oxide-N lost from the growing substrate and the bed soil was 1.5% and 0.01% of input N, respectively. Runoff and soil infiltration N accounted for 6.5% and 2.4% of input N, respectively. Unaccounted N was 27.7% of input N and is attributed to complete denitrification. Future work should address the amount of aqueous N lost from the growing substrate to reduce surface and groundwater contamination.

Outcome of the consultation with Member States and EFSA on the basic substance application for approval of black soap E470a to be used in plant protection as an insecticide on arable crops, ornamental flower beds, house plants, plant trees, ornamental woody plants, ornamental crops, vegetables crops, berry fruit crops, pome fruit crops, stone fruit and olive tree crops; and as

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked by the European Commission to provide scientific assistance with respect to the evaluation of applications received by the European Commission concerning basic substances. In this context, EFSA's scientific views on the specific points raised during the commenting phase conducted with Member States and EFSA on the basic substance application for black soap E470a are presented. The context of the evaluation was that required by the European Commission in accordance with Article 23 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 following the submission of an application for approval of black soap E470a as a basic substance to be used in plant protection as an insecticide on arable crops, ornamental flower beds, house plants, plant trees, ornamental woody plants, ornamental crops, vegetables crops, berry fruit crops, pome fruit crops, stone fruit and olive tree crops; and as a fungicide on vegetables and ornamental plant crops. The current report summarises the outcome of the consultation process organised by EFSA and presents EFSA's scientific views on the individual comments received.

Transgene CpNAC68 from Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) Improves Arabidopsis Survival of Multiple Abiotic Stresses.

The NAC (NAM, ATAFs, CUC) family of transcription factors (TFs) play a pivotal role in regulating all processes of the growth and development of plants, as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Yet, the functions of NACs from non-model plant species remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we characterized the stress-responsive effects of a NAC gene isolated from wintersweet, an ornamental woody plant that blooms in winter when temperatures are low. CpNAC68 is clustered in the NAM subfamily. Subcellular localization and transcriptional activity assays demonstrated a nuclear protein that has transcription activator activities. qRT-PCR analyses revealed that CpNAC68 was ubiquitously expressed in old flowers and leaves. Additionally, the expression of CpNAC68 is induced by disparate abiotic stresses and hormone treatments, including drought, heat, cold, salinity, GA, JA, and SA. Ectopic overexpression of CpNAC68 in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced the tolerance of transgenic plants to cold, heat, salinity, and osmotic stress, yet had no effect on growth and development. The survival rate and chlorophyll amounts following stress treatments were significantly higher than wild type Arabidopsis, and were accompanied by lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) amounts. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that CpNAC68 can be used as a tool to enhance plant tolerance to multiple stresses, suggesting a role in abiotic stress tolerance in wintersweet.

Integrative Identification of Crucial Genes Associated With Plant Hormone-Mediated Bud Dormancy in Prunus mume.

Prunus mume is an important ornamental woody plant with winter-flowering property, which is closely related to bud dormancy. Despite recent scientific headway in deciphering the mechanism of bud dormancy in P. mume, the overall picture of gene co-expression regulating P. mume bud dormancy is still unclear. Here a total of 23 modules were screened by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), of which 12 modules were significantly associated with heteroauxin, abscisic acid (ABA), and gibberellin (GA), including GA1, GA3, and GA4. The yellow module, which was positively correlated with the content of ABA and negatively correlated with the content of GA, was composed of 1,426 genes, among which 156 transcription factors (TFs) were annotated with transcriptional regulation function. An enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are related to the dormancy process and plant hormone signal transduction. Interestingly, the expression trends of PmABF2 and PmABF4 genes, the core members of ABA signal transduction, were positively correlated with P. mume bud dormancy. Additionally, the PmSVP gene had attracted lots of attention because of its co-expression, function enrichment, and expression level. PmABF2, PmABF4, and PmSVP were the genes with a high degree of expression in the co-expression network, which was upregulated by ABA treatment. Our results provide insights into the underlying molecular mechanism of plant hormone-regulated dormancy and screen the hub genes involved in bud dormancy in P. mume.