The homeotic gene PhDEF regulates production of volatiles in petunia flowers by activating EOBI and EOBII.

ABSTRACT: In petunia (Petunia × hybrida), MADS-box homeotic genes dictate floral organ identity. For instance, DEFICIENS (PhDEF), GLOBOSA1, and GLOBOSA2 (PhGLO1/2) are responsible for petal and stamen identity. However, whether homeotic genes, particularly PhDEF, have a function at the later stages of flower development remains elusive. In petunia flowers, scent production initiates at anthesis, when the flower is ready for pollination, and is triggered by activation of EMISSION OF BENZENOIDS I (EOBI) and EOBII, MYB transcriptional regulators of scent-related genes. Here, we revealed the role of PhDEF in mature flowers, showing that it activates scent production. PhDEF suppression using a transient viral system in petunia flowers led to a significant reduction in volatile emission and pool levels, a

SUBMITTER: Bednarczyk D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11850304 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature