Decoding Dwarfism: Gene Expression in Different Almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] Species

Abstract

The hindered growth characteristics evident in almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] plants exert a significant influence on the yield. Nevertheless, the precise underlying mechanisms are still largely uncharted. In analogous botanical instances, pivotal regulators of growth and development have been recognized as gibberellin (GA) and brassinosteroid (BR) genes. Notwithstanding, these genetic determinants functions remain insufficiently probed within the context of almonds, a crop species of pronounced economic significance. Within the confines of this inquiry, we endeavoured to scrutinize the repercussions of GA and BR metabolic genes on the stunted growth phenomenon within almonds. This objective was pursued by exploring the impact of the administration of exogenous gibberellin 3 (GA3) on the stunted growth characteristics, accompanied by an exhaustive analysis of the transcriptional profiles pertaining to GA and BR genes in the aftermath of said treatment. The assessment of the expression levels of prospective genes associated with the stunted growth attributes was executed across both diminutive and semi-diminutive almond cultivars. The findings derived from our investigations have unequivocally unveiled heightened expression patterns of these select genes within the stem and root tissues of both modest and semi-modest almond cultivars. Such observations cogently suggest the plausible cardinal roles undertaken by these specific genetic elements in the orchestration of the stunted growth trait conspicuous in almond plants. Thus, it can contribute to regulating plant height, increasing productivity and reducing branch breakage.