Huijuan Xu , Xiaoyan Chen

Modern Agricultural Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 3   
Received: 10 May, 2024    Accepted: 15 Jun., 2024    Published: 22 Jun., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Through transcriptome analysis and functional screening, several key genes were identified and verified for their roles in salt tolerance. Notably, the PeERF1 gene from Populus euphratica was found to significantly enhance salt tolerance when overexpressed in Populus alba × Populus glandulosa. Similarly, the NAC13 gene was shown to improve salt tolerance in transgenic poplar lines. Overexpression of the PtVP1.1 gene in Populus trichocarpa also conferred increased salt tolerance by enhancing ion homeostasis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. Additionally, the PsnHDZ63 and PsnMYB108 genes were identified as important regulators of salt stress responses, with their overexpression leading to improved salt tolerance in transgenic poplar and tobacco, respectively. The PtSOS2 gene was another significant finding, with its overexpression resulting in enhanced salt tolerance through improved Na⁺ efflux and ROS scavenging. The identification and functional verification of these genes provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of salt tolerance in poplar. These findings have significant implications for the development of salt-tolerant poplar varieties through genetic engineering, which could be beneficial for forestry and environmental management in saline-affected areas.

Poplar (Populus L.); Salt tolerance; Gene screening; PeERF1; NAC13; PtVP1.1; PsnHDZ63; Genetic engineering