Expression Analysis of Photoperiod Stress Responsive Genes in Arachis hypogaea

Abstract

Arachis hypogea (Peanuts) is the most important oilseed and economical legume crops in Pakistan. It is a source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Peanuts face multifaceted environmental challenges, including biotic and abiotic stresses, profoundly impacting their growth, development, and yield potential. Photoperiod stress is a significant abiotic stress factor constraining plant yield and production. This study focuses on the impact of photoperiod stress on morpho-physiological features and the expression of photoperiod responsive genes in two peanut varieties. Insilco analysis was performed to examine the photoperiod responsive genes, phytochrome interacting factors and NAC family, including homology modeling, subcellular localization, cis-regulatory elements, chromosomal mapping, and protein-protein interactions. Photoperiod stress induction take place in two peanut varieties- BARD-479 and NARC-2019. NARC-2019 variety showed better growth under photoperiod stress as compared to BARD-479. Scanning electron microscopy results showed stomatal closure under dark stress. In expression analysis PIF3, PIF4 and NAC72 showed significant upregulation under 16-hours dark stress, whereas PIF7 showed significant upregulation under 24-hour light stress in both peanut varieties. To further use of this approach, future research should focus on photoperiod stress responsive mechanisms in more detail and identifying new genes and pathways that are involved in the response that will benefits in developing photoperiod stress-tolerance varieties.