Lignin Biosynthesis Driven by <i>CAD</i> Genes Underpins Drought Tolerance in Sugarcane: Genomic Insights for Crop Improvement.

ABSTRACT: Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), a vital economic crop, suffers significant yield losses from drought. This study elucidates the genetic regulation of lignin biosynthesis-a key drought-resistance mechanism-by analyzing three contrasting accessions: drought-sensitive Saccharum officinarum (Badila), drought-resistant hybrid (XTT22), and drought-tolerant wild Saccharum spontaneum (SES-208) under progressive drought (7-21 days). Physiological analyses revealed pronounced lignin accumulation in XTT22 roots/leaves, driven by elevated coniferyl/sinapyl alcohol substrates, while Badila showed minimal deposition. Genomic characterization of cinnamyl/sinapyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD/SAD) families across six sugarcane genomes identified 322 genes phylogenetically clustered in

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12430416 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature