Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals the molecular basis underlying heterografting mediated regulation of longhorn beetle resistance in poplar scions and growth inhibition in poplar 107 scions

ABSTRACT: Grafting improves plant traits and productivity, but the mechanisms underlying rootstock regulation of scion traits remain unclear. In this study, reciprocal grafting was performed between Populus × euramericana cv. 'Neva' (poplar 107) and Populus tomentosa 'Yixian' (P. tomentosa). Physiological, growth, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses were conducted on poplar 107 scions, while insect resistance assays were performed on both scions types. Results indicated that abscisic acid may be a key factor in the growth inhibition of heterografted poplar 107 scions. Heterologous grafting enhanced scion resistance against their respective target longhorn beetles. Distinct defense-related gene types involved in biotic stress responses were identified between the two scions: terpenoid- and lipid-metabolism related genes were dominant in poplar 107 scions, whereas phenolic- and lipid metabolism-related genes were enriched in P. tomentosa scions, with flavonoid biosynthesis playing an important role in enhanced biotic stress resistance. Primary metabolism dominated the growth–defense balance in poplar 107 scions. Three primary and three secondary metabolites were predicted to be transported from rootstocks to scions. Suppressed auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin signaling, enhanced abscisic acid signaling, and downregulated lignin biosynthesis genes contributed to growth inhibition in poplar 107 scions. Increased jasmonic acid accumulation and upregulated lignin-related genes enhanced biotic stress resistance in P. tomentosa scions. Changes in highly connected jasmonic acid signaling genes and phenolic metabolites may play key roles in improving poplar resistance to biotic stress. This study preliminarily reveals rootstockmediated regulation of scion growth and biotic stress resistance in poplars, providing theoretical support for grafting application in forest production.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - alternating - reverse-phase

PROVIDER: MTBLS15039 | MetaboLights | 2026-07-14

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights