Wheat Gene Confers Tolerance to Low Temperature in Arabidopsis

Researchers from Qiqihar University in China reported the successful transformation of a wheat gene that confers low-temperature tolerance into Arabidopsis. Their findings are published in the journal Transgenic Research.

Low temperature hampers normal plant growth and development. This led the research team to isolate and characterize the wheat cold-regulated gene 80 (Wcor80) from Dongnongdongmai 1, a variety of winter wheat.

They found that Wcor80 expression was induced by brassinolide and low temperature treatments. The gene was expressed in the leaves under abscisic acid treatment and in the tillering nodes under brassinolide treatment. When Wcor80 was overexpressed in transgenic Arabidopsis, they observed significantly increased tolerance to low temperature treatment.

Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that Wcor80 plays a significant role in developing resistance to low temperature stress. This study provides a theoretical basis for the molecular breeding and cultivation regulation of winter wheat.

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