Whole transcriptome sequencing analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of exogenous trehalose in tea plant under heat stress

Tea plants (Camellia sinensis) are a crucial leaf-based economic crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Tea is a healthy non-alcoholic beverage renowned for its rich taste, aroma, flavor, and numerous polyphenolic compounds. However, the challenges posed by global warming, exacerbated by the greenhouse effect, have threatened tea quality and production. Consequently, it is of utmost importance to devise methods to enhance the heat tolerance of tea plants. One such strategy involves seeking an environmentally friendly protective agent to achieve sustainable yield and quality improvements in tea plants. Trehalose is found in diverse organisms and has numerous effects, including its role as an osmolyte, storage reserve, transport sugar, and stress protectant. Additionally, it has been extensively documented that trehalose can modulate plant responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses, such as heat stress. To clarify the specific effect of trehalose on the heat resistance of tea plants, rRNA-depleted RNAseq was used to explore the molecular mechanisms of exogenous trehalose in tea plant under heat stress.