Plant Architecture Regulation in Lagerstroemia indica
Plant height and branching are key architectural traits in woody ornamentals, directly shaping plant form, aesthetic value, and landscape adaptability. In Lagerstroemia indica, contrasting growth habits between the compact cultivar ‘Fenjingling’ and its naturally occurring tall mutants provide an ideal system to investigate the genetic and cellular factors driving architectural diversity. Through a combined approach integrating whole-genome resequencing, cytological measurements, and transcriptomic validation, researchers have uncovered key regulatory mechanisms—most notably sequence variations in the transcription factor WRKY40—that control cell proliferation, cell elongation, and ultimately plant height and branching architecture.
Phenotypic and Cytological Characterization of Architectural Traits
A rigorous comparison of morphological and anatomical traits revealed substantial differences between ‘Fenjingling’ and its tall mutants. The mutants showed marked increases in plant height, xylem cell number and length, and pith cell number and length, demonstrating that both cell division and cell elongation contribute to increased vertical growth. Conversely, the significant reduction in branch number and internode count highlights a trade-off between vertical elongation and lateral branching. These detailed phenotypic insights form the foundation for associating anatomical changes with underlying genetic variations.
Genomic Variants Associated with Plant Architecture
Whole-genome resequencing enabled the detection of extensive genomic variation between the compact and tall genotypes, including SNPs, InDels, and structural variations. Among these, modifications in key coding sequences emerged as strong candidates for architectural divergence. The study’s focus on variant annotation and functional prioritization provided a systematic framework for identifying genes likely responsible for height regulation and branching patterns, offering valuable resources for future molecular breeding in woody ornamentals.
Functional Impact of WRKY40 Sequence Variation
A major discovery was the identification of coding sequence (CDS) variations in WRKY40, a transcription factor previously implicated in growth and stress responses. The presence of a critical 343 bp sequence alteration in the tall mutants was linked to modified gene function, influencing downstream pathways that regulate cell growth and proliferation. This mutation provides a mechanistic explanation for the increased height phenotype and establishes WRKY40 as a central regulator of plant architecture in Lagerstroemia indica.
Transcriptomic Validation and VIGS Functional Testing
To confirm the functional role of WRKY40 variants, transcriptomic analysis and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) experiments were conducted. Silencing the altered WRKY40 region significantly affected plant height, demonstrating the gene’s regulatory control over cellular processes governing stem elongation. These molecular validation steps strengthened the causal link between sequence variation and phenotypic outcome, showcasing a model workflow for functional genomics research in woody species.
Implications for Breeding and Ornamental Improvement
The integration of genomic, cytological, and transcriptomic data provides a comprehensive understanding of the genetic architecture underlying plant form in crape myrtle. By revealing how specific gene variants control height and branching, this research offers powerful tools for marker-assisted selection, targeted breeding, and potential gene-editing strategies to create customized ornamental traits. The findings extend beyond Lagerstroemia indica, offering broader insight into the molecular basis of architecture in woody plants and its application in horticultural innovation.
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