Inducing Expression of the BAS1 Gene via the SAG12 Promoter to Delay Flower and Plant Senescence in Transgenic Petunia hybrida

Abstract

Background: Brassinosteroids (BRs) are essential hormones that play crucial roles in plant growth, reproduction and response to abiotic and biotic stress. Results: In transgenic Petunia hybrida , resulting in short stature, dark green leaves, and slowed aging.We demonstrate that the exogenous expression of the SAG12-BAS1 gene results in delayed senescence of flowers. SAG12-BAS1 transgenic lines, grown in the vegetative state, exhibited a range of phenotypic changes, including dark green leaves, short stature, delayed senescence, increased flower bud counts, branching, reduced internode lengths, and delayed flowering. SAG12-BAS1 transgenic expression increased the activity of protective enzymes, reduced malondialdehyde content, and increased chlorophyll content and soluble sugar accumulation in plants. Expression of senescence genes was increased in the transgenic Petunia hybrida compared to wild-type plants. Conclusions: Our finding suggests that BAS1 could be used as a potential candidate gene regulate plant flower senescence and prolong flower longevity.