In-silico characterization and expression profiling of cut flower vase life-related genes of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.)

In the present study, concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and salicylic acid (SA) were used to improve the vase life of tuberose cut flowers of varieties viz. Prajwal and Hyderabad Single. Three gene homologs of Arabidopsis thaliana, namely gigantea (GI) (GJVA01042594.1), UDP-glycosyl transferase superfamily protein (UGT) (GGEA01012182.1) and galactose oxidase/ kelch repeat superfamily protein (ZTL) (GGEA01001846.1), have been identified using in silico tools, that have the role in regulating vase life in tuberose flowers. These 3 gene homologs were also characterized using in silico tools. Thereafter, expression profiling of these genes along with the 2 housekeeping genes, viz., actin and ATP synthase E-subunit (ATP SE), has been performed in selected tuberose varieties under different concentration regimes of SNP and SA. Vase life-related genes GI and UGT expressed at optimum concentrations of SNP and SA in both varieties, whereas ZTL showed no expression. In our knowledge, this is the first report that may be harnessed by future researchers to enhance the vase life, including the quality of tuberose-cut flowers. The expression of these genes assumed to be activated in the presence of SNP and SA indicates their utility in the floriculture industry to enhance the vase life of cut flowers.