The polyploidy of the scion and the rootstock in citrus is shaping the better tolerance to water deficit
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ABSTRACT: Citrus, one of the world’s most important crops is facing considerable challenges due to drought events. Previous studies have demonstrated that tetraploid rootstocks exhibit greater tolerance to abiotic stresses than their diploid counterparts. The effects of combining tetraploid rootstock with a triploid scion under water deficit treatment have not been thoroughly explored. A water deficit experiment was conducted in pot using four citrus scion/rootstock combinations: diploid and tetraploid Swingle citrumelo rootstocks grafted with diploid Mexican Lime and triploid Persian lime. Physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses revealed that scions grafted onto tetraploid rootstocks had significantly better drought tolerance, especially when combined with triploid Persian lime. This improved resilience was linked to enhanced water regulation, higher photosynthesis, increased stomatal conductance and transpiration during water stress. Elevated abscisic acid levels and stronger antioxidant activity in polyploid rootstocks further contributed to stress response. Transcriptomic data showed notable gene expression changes, providing insights into drought tolerance mechanisms. These findings underscore ploidy’s role at both the rootstock and scion levels in shaping the plant’s response to water deficit, revealing useful interactions between rootstock and scion influencing drought resilience. This study highlights the potential for leveraging polyploid rootstocks and scions to improve drought tolerance in citrus cultivation.
ORGANISM(S): Citrus sinensis Citrus x aurantiifolia Citrus x latifolia
PROVIDER: GSE255759 | GEO | 2025/05/12
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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