Comparative Analysis of Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Transcriptome Data in Two Rhododendron Cultivars Unveils Differential Gene Expression in Response to Drought Stress

To investigate response mechanism of Rhododendron to drought stress, the Sakesizhixing and Turuimeigui cultivars were subjected to natural stress, and their chlorophyll fluorescence and transcriptomic changes in the leaves were compared at 0, 4 and 8 days of drought treatment. This study provides valuable insight for molecular breeding strategies aimed at enhancing drought tolerance of Rhododendron in the future.

为探究杜鹃花（Rhododendron）对干旱胁迫的响应机制，本研究选取‘赛克西之星’（Sakesizhixing）与‘图瑞玫瑰’（Turuimeigui）两个杜鹃花品种开展自然干旱胁迫实验，并在干旱处理的第0、4、8天，对其叶片的叶绿素荧光与转录组变化进行对比分析。本研究可为未来用于提升杜鹃花抗旱性的分子育种策略提供极具价值的理论参考。