The SlWRKY42–SlMYC2 module synergistically enhances tomato saline–alkali tolerance by activating the jasmonic acid signaling and spermidine biosynthesis pathway

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an important crop but frequently experiences saline-alkali stress. Our previous studies have shown that exogenous spermidine (Spd) could significantly enhance the saline-alkali resistance of tomato seedlings, in which a high concentration of Spd and jasmonic acid (JA) exerted important roles. However, the mechanism of Spd and JA accumulation remains unclear. Herein, SlWRKY42, a Group II WRKY transcription factor, was identified in response to saline-alkali stress. Overexpression of SlWRKY42 improved tomato saline-alkali tolerance. Meanwhile, SlWRKY42 knockout mutants, exhibited an opposite phenotype. RNA-sequencing data also indicated that SlWRKY42 regulated the expression of…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: CARS-23
• CA
  Chinese Academy of Sciences
• IO
  Institute of Genetics