Overexpression of PtaHDG11 enhances drought tolerance and suppresses trichome formation in Populus tremula x Populus alba
Authors: Fendel, A., Fladung, M., Bruegmann, T.
Date: 2026-01-13 · Version: 1
DOI: 10.64898/2026.01.12.699028 Category: Plant Biology
Model Organism: Populus tremula x Populus alba
▶ AI Summary
The study identified and overexpressed the native HDG11 homolog (PtaHDG11) in a Populus tremula × Populus alba hybrid, demonstrating significantly enhanced drought tolerance compared to wild‑type trees. Transgenic poplars showed higher leaf water content, reduced oxidative damage, up‑regulated antioxidant genes, and increased biomass after recovery, albeit with a glabrous, trichome‑less phenotype. These results highlight PtaHDG11 as a promising target for improving drought resilience in forest trees.
HDG11 drought tolerance Populus hybrid antioxidant genes ROS detoxification