Chilling-responsive strigolactone signaling orchestrates bud break and chilling tolerance in apple

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ID: 313757
2026
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Abstract
Temperature is a critical factor governing apple (Malus domestica) cultivation. Adequate chilling exposure promotes bud dormancy release, but prolonged chilling induces crop damage. However, the mechanisms underlying apple adaptation to varying chilling durations remain elusive. Here, we identify strigolactones (SLs) as dual regulators that suppress vegetative bud break while promoting chilling tolerance, with MdD53 (MdDWARF53) serving as the central integrator of these two responses. During fulfillment of the chilling requirement (CR), low temperature induces the expression of MdCBF4 (encoding a C-repeat binding transcription factor) and MdTCP14 (encoding a Teosinte branched1/cycloidea/proliferating cell factor). These factors interact and activate MdD53 transcription, thus promoting bud break. As chilling continues, increased SLs accelerate MdD53 degradation to enhance chilling tolerance; before CR fulfillment, MdD53 synthesis predominates (despite rising SLs) to ensure bud break competence. Under excessive chilling, elevated levels of SLs enhance MdD53 degradation and trigger MdMEK5-dependent phosphorylation of MdICE1 (Inducer of CBF expression). This disrupts the MdD53-MdICE1 interaction, releasing MdICE1 to activate MdCBF1/3 expression. This shift prioritizes chilling tolerance over bud break competence, consequently weakening bud break capacity. Collectively, our results delineate the mechanistic basis for how SL-coordinated bud break and chilling tolerance define the latitudinal limits of apple cultivation.
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openalex_W7161151993 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Y ZHANG, Yuqing Zhu, Chanyu Wang, Hongjuan Ge, Kexin Guo, Xiaoyu Zhou, Yuqi Li, Qiang Zhao, Zhijuan Sun, Yike Tian, Shaoxuan Li, Guangli Sha, Xiangyang Li, Dan Li, Qingtian Li, Dong Meng, Yanglin Ding, Caihong Wang, Xiaodong Zheng
Journal The Plant cell
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/plcell/koag139
URL
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