Enhancing cotton tolerance to cold and drought stress: A protective role of SikCOR413PM1 gene overexpression

Abstract

Abstract This study explores the potential role of the SikCOR413PM1 gene, isolated from Saussurea involucrata (Kar Kir.), in enhancing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) tolerance to cold and drought stress through transgenic methods. We found that overexpressing SikCOR413PM1 in cotton plants led to increased relative water content, reduced malondialdehyde content and relative conductivity, and elevated proline and soluble sugar levels as osmotic regulators. These findings suggest that SikCOR413PM1 can minimize cell membrane damage and boost plant stability under challenging conditions. Additionally, overexpression of this gene upregulated antioxidant enzyme-related genes in transgenic cotton plants, resulting in enhanced enzyme activity, lowered peroxide content, and reduced oxidative stress. SikCOR413PM1 overexpression also modulated the expression of stress-related genes (GhDREB1A, GhDREB1B, GhDREB1C, GhERF2, GhNAC3, and GhRD22). In field trials, transgenic cotton plants with SikCOR413PM1 overexpression displayed higher yields and increased environmental resistance. Our study concludes that SikCOR413PM1 can regulate stress-related genes, osmotic adjustment factors, and peroxide content while preserving cell membrane stability and improving cotton tolerance to low-temperature and drought conditions.