Anatomical, Physiological, and Transcriptome Analyses Revealing Pod Shattering of <i>Medicago ruthenica</i> Associated with Pericarp Lignin Biosynthesis.

ABSTRACT: Background: Medicago ruthenica, a perennial legume forage valuable for ecological restoration and improved breeding, suffers significant harvest losses due to pod shattering. Pod shattering is a trait not only linked to not only pod ventral suture, but also pericarp properties. In this study, we aimed to (1) elucidate the role of pericarp in explosive pod shattering by comparing shattering-susceptible (SPD) and shattering-resistant (RPD) M. ruthenica genotypes, and (2) identify key regulatory genes and pathways underlying this mechanism. Methods: We conducted comparative analyses of pericarp anatomy and physiological traits (pericarp components such as water content, cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin; and the activities of enzymes such as cellulose sy

SUBMITTER: Zhu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12467310 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature