Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » New Orleans, Louisiana » Southern Regional Research Center » Food Processing and Sensory Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #420480
Research Project: Reducing the Development and Severity of Allergy to Peanuts and Tree Nuts

Location: Food Processing and Sensory Quality Research

Title: Responses of late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) genes reveal the potential of stress resilience in pecans

Author
item PULICHERLA, SAHITHI REDD - New Mexico State University
item Mattison, Christopher
item ARNEDO, DORIS ALEXA - New Mexico State University
item RANDALL, JENNIFER - New Mexico State University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/2/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: N/A

Technical Abstract: Pecan (Carya illinoinensis), a nutritious and economically vital nut crop, is frequently challenged by abiotic stressors such as salinity, drought, and heat, which significantly impactproduction. Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) genes are known for their active role in stress tolerance across various plant species, however, their significance in pecan remains unexplored. Our research delves into the behavior of LEA genes in pecan under multiple abiotic stress conditions, to understand their potential for enhancing stress tolerance. Genomic analysis of four completely sequenced pecan genomes uncovered 332 LEA genes. After comprehensive evaluation of their classifications, tissue-specific expression, and evolutionary patterns, we selected six representative LEA genes for an in-depth study. Through qRT-PCR, we assessed the expression of these genes under salinity, drought, and heat stress in controlled tissue culture settings, as well as under prolonged water deficit in the field. Our findings unveiled dynamic expression profiles of the selected LEA genes across different environmental stresses. Analysis of promoter regions upstream of these genes identified several stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements, suggesting a complex regulatory network governing LEA gene expression during abiotic stress. This study not only provides insights into pecan's stress response mechanisms but also identifies potential candidate genes for enhancing stress tolerance in extreme environments. The identification of key LEA genes and their regulatory elements opens new avenues for stress-related breeding strategies in pecan. This research represents a significant step towards improving pecan's adaptation to environmental challenges and ensuring sustainable nut production in the face of climate change.