Evolutionary assessment of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE genes in citrus relatives with a specific focus on flowering

Abstract Phase transition and floral induction in citrus requires several years of juvenility after germination. Such a long period has been major hindrance to its genetic improvement program. Studies have shown that miR156 along with downstream genes SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEINS (SBP) SBP-LIKE (SPL) mediate the phase process plants. Our current study systematically analyzed SPL s 15 different citrus-related species, annotated them based on their close homology respective Arabidopsis orthologs, confirmed functional attributes selected members precocity. The majority species harbored s. Their cis -element assessment suggested involvement diverse developmental physiological processes response biotic abiotic cues. Among all, SPL5 , SPL9 SPL11 stood out as consistently differentially expressed adult young tissues species. Independent overexpression F. hindsii orthologs ( FhSPL5 FhSPL9 FhSPL11 ) brought an enhanced expression endogenous FLOWERING LOCUS T leading significantly precocious flowering transgenic lines. Future plant itself is expected conclude assessments made study. Graphical