GhHAI2, GhAHG3, and GhABI2 Negatively Regulate Osmotic Stress Tolerance via ABA-Dependent Pathway in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

ABSTRACT: The type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) are well known for their vital roles in plant drought stress responses, but their molecular mechanisms in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of three clade A PP2C genes, namely, GhHAI2, GhAHG3, and GhABI2, in regulating the osmotic stress tolerance in cotton. The transcript levels of GhHAI2, GhAHG3, and GhABI2 were rapidly induced by exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment. Silencing of GhHAI2, GhAHG3, and GhABI2 via virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) improved osmotic tolerance in cotton due to decreased water loss, increase in both relative water content (RWC) and photosynthetic gas exchange, higher antioxidant enzyme activity, and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content.

SUBMITTER: Shazadee H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9161169 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature