Transcriptome Analysis of Apricot Kernel Pistils Reveals the Mechanisms Underlying ROS-Mediated Freezing Resistance

Spring frost is a major limiting factor in the production and cultivation of apricot kernels, an ecological economic dry-fruit tree China. The frequent occurrence spring often coincides with blooming period resulting significant damage to floral organs reductions yield. We investigated molecular signature pistils from two kernel cultivars different frost-resistance levels using transcriptome data. A total 3223 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were found between under freezing stress, including bHLH AP2/ERF-ERF transcription factors. Based on KEGG analysis, DEGs mostly enriched biosynthesis secondary metabolites, metabolic pathways, plant-hormone signal transduction. co-expression network, which included 81 hub genes, revealed that factors, protein kinases, ubiquitin ligases, hormone components, Ca2+-related proteins coregulated ROS-mediated response. Moreover, gene interaction relationships, such as ERF109-HMGCR1, ERF109-GRXC9, bHLH13-JAZ8, predicted. These findings regulatory factors for differences resistance tested contributed deeper understanding comprehensive program during stress. Some identified this work provide new choices directions breeding kernels high resistance.