Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Transcriptome and Physiological Analysis of Rapeseed Tolerance to Post-flowering Temperature Increase

Version 1 : Received: 1 September 2023 / Approved: 4 September 2023 / Online: 5 September 2023 (04:50:18 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Canales, J.; Verdejo, J.F.; Calderini, D.F. Transcriptome and Physiological Analysis of Rapeseed Tolerance to Post-Flowering Temperature Increase. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 15593. Canales, J.; Verdejo, J.F.; Calderini, D.F. Transcriptome and Physiological Analysis of Rapeseed Tolerance to Post-Flowering Temperature Increase. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 15593.

Abstract

Climate change-induced temperature fluctuations pose a significant threat to crop production, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. This study investigates the transcriptome and physiological responses of rapeseed to post-flowering temperature increases, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying rapeseed tolerance to heat stress. Two rapeseed genotypes, Lumen and Solar, were assessed under control and heat stress conditions in field experiments conducted in Valdivia, Chile. Results showed that seed yield and seed number were negatively affected by heat stress, with genotype-specific responses. Lumen exhibited a 9.3% average seed yield reduction, while Solar showed a 28.7% reduction. RNA-seq analysis of siliques and seeds revealed tissue-specific responses to heat stress, with siliques being more sensitive to temperature stress. Hierarchical clustering analysis identified distinct gene clusters reflecting different aspects of heat stress adaptation in siliques, with a role for protein folding in maintaining silique development and seed quality under high temperature conditions. In seeds, three distinct patterns of heat-responsive gene expression were observed, with genes involved in protein folding and response to heat showing genotype-specific expression. Gene coexpression network analysis revealed major modules for rapeseed yield and quality, as well as the trade-off between seed number and seed weight. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying rapeseed tolerance to heat stress and can inform crop improvement strategies targeting yield optimization under changing environmental conditions.

Keywords

post-flowering temperature increase; Brassica napus; heat stress; transcriptome analysis; seed yield; seed number; seed weight; gene coexpression network analysis

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Plant Sciences

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