The Novel Cucurbitaceae miRNA ClmiR86 Is Involved in Grafting-Enhanced Phosphate Utilization and Phosphate Starvation Tolerance in Watermelon.

ABSTRACT: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a globally important Cucurbitaceae crop in which grafting is commonly used to improve stress tolerance and enhance nutrient utilization. However, the mechanism underlying grafting-enhanced nutrient assimilation remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate the possible involvement of a novel Cucurbitaceae miRNA, ClmiR86, in grafting-enhanced phosphate-starvation tolerance via CALCINEURIN B-LIKE INTERACTING PROTEIN KINASE 5 (ClCIPK5) suppression in watermelon. Transcript analyses revealed that the induction of ClmiR86 expression was correlated with the downregulation of ClCIPK5 in squash-grafted watermelon under phosphate starvation. In addition, the differential expression of ClmiR86 in various watermelon genotypes was consistent with their phosphate utilization e

SUBMITTER: Wu W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8540214 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature