Integrative analysis of different low-light-tolerant watermelon lines in response to low-light stress.

ABSTRACT: Low-light stress is a major environmental factor limiting watermelon growth and productivity; however, the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying low-light tolerance remain unclear. In this study, we compared the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic responses of two watermelon inbred lines, HY25 (low-light tolerant) and DQ22 (low-light sensitive), under low-light conditions (60 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and normal light (200 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹). Morphological assessments revealed that low-light stress considerably inhibited shoot and root development in both lines, with DQ22 exhibiting more severe reductions in plant height, biomass, and root architecture. Photosynthetic analysis revealed that, compared with HY25, DQ22 resulted in greater decreases in the net photosynthet

SUBMITTER: Ma X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12369212 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature