{"title":"PpSnRK1α-PpNAC6/PpNAC36 module mediates nitrogen-regulated biosynthesis of γ-decalactone in peach fruit","authors":"Jiahui Liang, Xin Zheng, Xuelian Wu, Zhe Wang, Zixuan Li, Yuansong Xiao, Jian Guo, Qiuju Chen, Jingjing Luo, Huaifeng Gao, Yangyang Gao, Futian Peng","doi":"10.1093/hr/uhaf256","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf256","url":null,"abstract":"Flavor-related compounds, particularly γ-decalactone—the key contributor to the characteristic ‘peach-like’ aroma—serve as essential indicators of peach fruit quality and strongly influence consumer purchasing decisions. However, excessive application of N fertilizers has led to a significant decline in the flavor quality of peaches, posing a major obstacle to the sustainable development of the peach industry. Although this remains a critical challenge, the molecular mechanisms linking N to flavor compound biosynthesis are still not well characterized. In this study, we discovered that excessive N application reduced the biosynthesis of γ-decalactone in peach, based on multi-year field observations. Correlation analysis and expression profiling under N treatments revealed that two NAC (NAM-ATAF1/2-CUC2) transcription factors (TFs), PpNAC6 and PpNAC36, were involved in regulating γ-decalactone biosynthesis in response to N signaling. Genetic analyses indicated that PpNAC6 and PpNAC36 positively regulated the accumulation of γ-decalactone. Both yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays and dual-luciferase reporter assays consistently showed that PpNAC6 and PpNAC36 directly interact with the promoter regions of γ-decalactone biosynthesis-related genes (PpAAT2, PpAAT3, PpLOX1, PpLOX6, and PpFAD3) and significantly enhance their transcriptional activity. Furthermore, transgene verification demonstrated that the α subunit of peach SNF-related Kinase 1 (PpSnRK1α) suppresses γ-decalactone biosynthesis. Notably, we found that PpSnRK1α interacts with PpNAC6/PpNAC36 and selectively phosphorylates PpNAC36 in response to N, thus regulating γ-decalactone production. Our study uncovers the transcriptional regulatory network involved in PpSnRK1α-mediated phosphorylation of PpNAC6/PpNAC36, linking N signaling to γ-decalactone synthesis in peach, and provides insights for molecular breeding and precision fertilization to enhance peach flavor.","PeriodicalId":13179,"journal":{"name":"Horticulture Research","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145195281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Single-nucleus transcriptomics reveals the cellular immune responses to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in rough lemon","authors":"Xu-Bin Tian, Jinhuan Zhou, Jiaxin Li, Yayu Li, Changyong Zhou, Zhen Song","doi":"10.1093/hr/uhaf265","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf265","url":null,"abstract":"Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most destructive disease in citriculture, mainly caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). However, the immune response of citrus to CLas at the cellular level remains to be elucidated. In this study, the first single-cell atlas of rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) root apexes were generated using single-nucleus RNA sequencing at 20 weeks post-inoculation with CLas. According to gene expression patterns, the single-cell atlas was partitioned into 20 transcriptionally distinct clusters, and five cell types were identified within these clusters. A significant number of defense-related genes were co-upregulated across the five cell types following CLas infection, whereas genes involved in signal transduction pathways, such as tubulin beta-6 chain (TUBB1) and the phospholipase D alpha 1 (PLD1), were concurrently downregulated. Based on pseudotime trajectory analysis, the key pathways and genes involved in the coordination of cell differentiation and resistance in citrus under CLas infection were characterized. Following CLas infection, the development of phloem cells was significantly delayed, and the differentiation of cambium cells into xylem cells was evident. The expression of genes associated with lignin synthesis was significantly upregulated in these cells. The reduction in phloem cell differentiation and the enhanced differentiation of cambium cells into defense-related xylem cells may represent the primary vascular immune mechanisms exhibited by citrus plants in response to CLas infection. Additionally, DNA-binding one zinc finger transcription factor DOF2.4 was found to potentially serve dual roles in regulating vascular cell development and inducing plant resistance against CLas. In conclusion, this study collectively provides insights into the cellular innate immunity responses of citrus to CLas infection. These findings hold significant implications for the sustainable development of citriculture amidst the ongoing global HLB epidemic, and offer novel insights into vascular immunity and plant defense responses.","PeriodicalId":13179,"journal":{"name":"Horticulture Research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145195282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Guotao Huo, Haibin Wei, Shuping He, Guojun Ge, Lei Wang, Guangliu Xu, Yan Huang, Yiwen Zhou, Xiao Yang, Zhenzhen Li, Yingyan Han, Shiwei Wei, Lijun Luo
{"title":"From genetic diversity to genomic design breeding: a lettuce core collection of 811 accessions catalyzes anthocyanin-enriched cultivar development","authors":"Guotao Huo, Haibin Wei, Shuping He, Guojun Ge, Lei Wang, Guangliu Xu, Yan Huang, Yiwen Zhou, Xiao Yang, Zhenzhen Li, Yingyan Han, Shiwei Wei, Lijun Luo","doi":"10.1093/hr/uhaf258","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf258","url":null,"abstract":"Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a globally cultivated vegetable crop prized for its leafy morphology, which critically influences consumer preference and market value. Despite the agronomic importance of leaf traits, the genetic basis underlying their diversity remains poorly characterized. To address this, we performed whole-genome resequencing to characterize ~800 lettuce accessions collected from major lettuce production areas as well as the relative wild species, and developed a publicly accessible core collection of 268 accessions that represents at least 99.4% of the genetic variation. Sixteen leaf morphological traits were systematically evaluated over two growing seasons. Population structure analysis revealed frequent introgression events from looseleaf type into domesticated varieties (butterhead, crisphead, romaine, and stem lettuce), highlighting dynamic gene flow during breeding. Trait correlation analyses identified significant associations: plant width exhibited negative correlations with anthocyanin content, leaf tip shape, and leaf lobes of margin (P < 0.001), while apical margin incision of leaf blade positively correlated with multiple leaf architecture traits. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) pinpointed 13 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes regulating leaf morphology, including a validated anthocyanin biosynthesis regulator (ANS). Notably, we pinpointed the causal gene genotypes responsible for leaf anthocyanin coloration. Leveraging these insights, we engineered a high-anthocyanin cultivar binfen5 with optimized leaf shape through genomic design breeding. This study provides a comprehensive genetic resource and actionable targets for precision breeding to enhance lettuce quality.","PeriodicalId":13179,"journal":{"name":"Horticulture Research","volume":"95 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145133579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhu Chen, Faheem Afzal Shah, Xiaoyu Lu, Lu Zhu, Guo Wei, Xin Meng, Qiuyue Ma, Jie Ren
{"title":"The ApWRKY26/ApERF4-ApMYB2 module regulates anthocyanin accumulation for the seasonal leaf color transition in Acer palmatum","authors":"Zhu Chen, Faheem Afzal Shah, Xiaoyu Lu, Lu Zhu, Guo Wei, Xin Meng, Qiuyue Ma, Jie Ren","doi":"10.1093/hr/uhaf257","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf257","url":null,"abstract":"Acer palmatum 'Duocai' is an excellent ornamental cultivar maintained through asexual propagation. In spring and autumn, it exhibits red leaves, and in summer, it displays green leaves. To investigate the genetic and epigenetic regulation underlying these seasonal pigmentation shifts, we implemented a comprehensive multi-omics approach. Metabolomic profiling identified cyanidin-3-O-glucoside as the predominant biochemical factor governing seasonal leaf color transitions. RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, Hi-C, and WGBS were utilized to examine transcriptomic and chromatin remodeling dynamics. Multi-omics regulatory network analysis identified ApMYB2 as a key transcription factor affecting anthocyanin accumulation by regulating ApF3'H2 expression. Functional analyses demonstrated that the transcription factor ApWRKY26 positively modulates ApMYB2 expression, while ApERF4 exerts an inhibitory effect on its expression. These regulatory interactions were corroborated by seasonal RNA-seq-based correlation analyses. Genetic manipulation experiments, including overexpression and silencing of these genes in A. palmatum, provided empirical evidence supporting their functional roles in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. Together, our study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which ApWRKY26 and ApERF4 coordinate the activity of ApMYB2 to govern seasonal anthocyanin synthesis in A. palmatum foliage.","PeriodicalId":13179,"journal":{"name":"Horticulture Research","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145133576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chromosome-level genome assembly of Cornus officinalis reveals the evolution of loganin biosynthesis","authors":"Xiang Zhang, Jiangbo Xie, Jiadong Wu, Haoyu Zhang, Zhelun Jin, Qing Liu, Deqiang Zhang","doi":"10.1093/hr/uhaf259","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf259","url":null,"abstract":"Cornus officinalis is a traditional medicinal plant known for producing loganin, a bioactive iridoid glycoside with potential anticancer properties. However, the absence of a high-quality reference genome has limited insights into its biosynthetic pathways. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of C. officinalis with a size of 2.85 Gb. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the genome expansion and longer gene structures, relative to other Cornales species, are primarily due to a recent expansion of transposable elements (TEs). In this study, we identified unique biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) coding multiple core enzymes, including loganin acid O-methyltransferase (LAMT), secologanin synthase (SLS), and cytochrome P450, all of which catalyze sequential steps leading to loganin formation. LAMT enzymes from C. officinalis capable of catalyzing the C-9 hydroxylation of loganin acid were identified, whereas the homolog (CoLMAT) was not found to possess this activity. Additionally, molecular docking studies revealed critical residues in CoLAMT that govern substrate positioning, providing insights into the mechanism of C-9 regioselective hydroxylation. Further characterization of 7-deoxyloganicacid hydroxylase (7-DLH), LAMT, and SLS enzymes allowed us to elucidate the complete biosynthetic pathway of major loganin derivatives in the medicinal plant C. officinalis. Finally, we introduced CoLAMT and its upstream genes into Nicotiana benthamiana and successfully achieved the de novo biosynthesis of a series of loganin derivatives. This work reveals key evolutionary and molecular mechanisms in loganin biosynthesis, providing insights into biotechnological applications in anticancer drug development.","PeriodicalId":13179,"journal":{"name":"Horticulture Research","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145133578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Integrative Genomics for Mango Genetics and Breeding","authors":"Bilal Ahmad, Ying Su, Rida Arshad, Tayyaba Razzaq, Yi Zhang, Ting Hou, Chaochao Li, Zhongxin Jin, Chengjie Chen, Peng Wang, Melanie J Wilkinson, Yibo Bai, Yeyuan Chen, Yu Zhang, Zhiguo Dang, Yongfeng Zhou, Xinmin Tian, Jianfeng Huang","doi":"10.1093/hr/uhaf260","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf260","url":null,"abstract":"Mango is the second most important tropical fruit crop. Due to ever-changing environmental conditions, world mango production is facing challenges such as diseases (anthracnose and mango malformation), physiological disorders (alternate bearing), low fruit setting, poor fruit quality, short shelf life, and climate change adaptation. Breeding efforts are hindered by the long juvenile period, outdated breeding system, and high heterozygosity, resulting in a slow pace of mango improvement programs. However, over the last decade, significant advances in high-quality genome assemblies, pangenomics, genetic mapping, multi-omics data, and phenomics of large populations have accelerated crop genetics and breeding. Here, we summarize recent progress on the origin and domestication of mango, advancements in genome assemblies, development of genetic maps, functional and comparative genomics, evolutionary insights, and assessments of global phenotypic and genotypic diversity, including species at risk. We also discuss the integration of multi-omics approaches with quantitative genetics for crop improvement. Further, we highlight the key research gaps that limit breeding efficiency and propose integrative strategies combining pangenomics, multi-omics, and machine learning with improved transformation protocols and multi-environment testing to accelerate the development of climate-resilient, high-quality mango cultivars.","PeriodicalId":13179,"journal":{"name":"Horticulture Research","volume":"59 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145133580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dual Benefits of CmNOR/ Cmnor Heterozygous Plants: Prolonging Shelf Life and Preserving Fruit Quality in Oriental Melon","authors":"Jinfang Wang, Ying Li, Shouwei Tian, Haiying Zhang, Yongtao Yu, Jie Zhang, Maoying Li, Yi Ren, Shengjin Liao, Chen Zhang, Guoyi Gong, Qing Wang, Yong Xu","doi":"10.1093/hr/uhaf254","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf254","url":null,"abstract":"Oriental melon, a climacteric fruit prized for its superior quality, faces limited shelf life. Although knockout NON-RIPENING (CmNOR) prolongs storage duration at the expense of quality loss, the potential of its direct agricultural application to reconcile this conflict remains uninvestigated. Through crossing homozygotes Cmnor and wild-type plants, we created CmNOR/Cmnor heterozygotes. These heterozygotes exhibited a 6-day ripening delay accompanied by reduced sucrose and β-carotene levels, yet ultimately attained WT quality parameters. Exogenous ethylene treatment accelerated fruit softening but failed to restore key quality parameters in both heterozygotes and homozygotes to WT levels. Transcriptomic and quantitative PCR analysis revealed that homozygotes displayed >10-fold expression differences versus WT in quality-associated genes (e.g., involved in carotenoid biosynthesis and sucrose metabolism). These expression disparities diminished to approximately 2-fold in heterozygotes. Furthermore, heterozygotes extended shelf life by 3-5 days during storage at 20°C while maintaining fruit quality. Storage-phase differential genes clustered in water regulation and cell wall modification pathways, with heterozygous-WT expression disparities gradually decreasing over time. The CmNOR dosage effect dynamically modulates interconnected quality and preservation networks, proposing an editing-based solution to overcome the storability-quality dichotomy in climacteric fruits.","PeriodicalId":13179,"journal":{"name":"Horticulture Research","volume":"51 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145116212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yanjun Li, Zongrang Liu, Frederick G Gmitter Jr, Zhanao Deng, Baoping Cheng, Hui Duan, Yi Li
{"title":"Substantial Enhancement of Agrobacterium-Mediated Transgene-Free Genome Editing via Short-Term Chemical Selection Using Citrus as a Model Plant","authors":"Yanjun Li, Zongrang Liu, Frederick G Gmitter Jr, Zhanao Deng, Baoping Cheng, Hui Duan, Yi Li","doi":"10.1093/hr/uhaf153","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf153","url":null,"abstract":"Citrus production is threatened by biotic and abiotic stresses, particularly Huanglongbing (HLB), creating an urgent need for efficient engineering of citrus for disease resistance. Gene editing, especially transgene-free approaches, offers a promising alternative to traditional breeding, which is slow and constrained by citrus’ long juvenile phase. However, producing transgene-free, genome-edited citrus remains challenging. Here, we present a novel method to significantly enhance the efficiency of transgene-free gene editing in citrus using Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression of Cas9 and gRNAs. By treating Agrobacterium cells and citrus explants and applying a three-day transient kanamycin selection, we achieved a 17-fold increase in transgene-free editing efficiency. The transient kanamycin-mediated suppression of shoot regeneration from non-Agrobacterium-infected cells not only improved the efficiency of identifying edited plants but also enhanced shoot regeneration efficiency from Agrobacterium-infected cells, regardless of whether these cells had stably incorporated T-DNA or not. This enhancement was likely due to reduced competition for space and nutrients from shoots regenerated from non-infected cells. In experiments targeting the phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene, transgene-free mutant shoot recovery increased from 0.017% to 0.291% of the total shoots produced. With an efficient screening method for gene-edited plants, the development of transgene-free gene-edited plants becomes relatively easy and practicable. These results suggest that this optimized protocol could be applicable to other perennial crops, offering a valuable tool for improving citrus varieties and other economically important plants.","PeriodicalId":13179,"journal":{"name":"Horticulture Research","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145093622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jin Shao, Bowen Peng, Han Zheng, Ling Li, Dalu Li, Xinyi Hu, Luqi Huang, Kexuan Tang
{"title":"CRISPR/Cas9-mediated uORF engineering enhances tanshinone biosynthesis in Salvia miltiorrhiza","authors":"Jin Shao, Bowen Peng, Han Zheng, Ling Li, Dalu Li, Xinyi Hu, Luqi Huang, Kexuan Tang","doi":"10.1093/hr/uhaf249","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf249","url":null,"abstract":"Tanshinone accumulation serves as a critical determinant of medicinal value in Salvia miltiorrhiza cultivars. Precise fine-tuning of tanshinone biosynthesis while preserving elite agronomic traits remains a pivotal challenge in molecular breeding. Here, we report, for the first time, the successful application of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated upstream open reading frame (uORF) editing in medicinal plants to enhance the production of specialized metabolites. Five evolutionarily conserved uORFs identified in the 5’ leader sequence of the key diterpene synthase gene SmCPS1 were strategically edited to modulate post-transcriptional regulation. Homozygous mutants engineered through precision gene editing exhibited 1.19- to 1.81-fold enhanced tanshinone accumulation compared to the controls, correlating with coordinated transcriptional activation of core biosynthetic genes (SmHMGR1, SmKSL1, SmCYP76AH1, SmCYP76AH3). Integrative molecular analyses demonstrated unchanged SmCPS1 transcript levels and enhanced protein accumulation, mechanistically confirming uORF-mediated translational potentiation of the cognate main ORF. This study establishes uORF engineering as a robust platform for predictable metabolic engineering in Salvia miltiorrhiza plants. Future applications could expand this strategy to uORFs of rate-limiting enzymes or transcriptional regulators, enabling multidimensional optimization of high-value metabolites in medicinal species.","PeriodicalId":13179,"journal":{"name":"Horticulture Research","volume":"56 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145093597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anisa M Khalid, Juliana Benevenuto, Paul M Lyrene, Patricio R Munoz
{"title":"Interspecific Hybridization History of Vaccinium Berry Crops and Potential in Wild Relatives","authors":"Anisa M Khalid, Juliana Benevenuto, Paul M Lyrene, Patricio R Munoz","doi":"10.1093/hr/uhaf246","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhaf246","url":null,"abstract":"Wild species have been extensively used as a reservoir of genetic variability in plant breeding. Both blueberries and cranberries are crops from the highly diverse Vaccinium genus that have benefited from interspecific hybridizations throughout their domestication history. In this review, we compiled all documented interspecific hybridizations performed for blueberry and cranberry aiming to guide future breeding efforts. We report the traits of interest, success and failure of crosses, and give the taxonomic sections of the species involved. Out of the 500 species listed in Vaccinium, only 42 have been tested for hybridization so far. Successful crosses with fertile progenies have been reported across distantly related sections. Considering the polyphyletic nature of Vaccinium, the definition of crop wild relatives for these crops could be expanded to incorporate other genera. This review highlights the enormous potential of the wild gene pools for breeding of Vaccinium berry crops, and the need to characterize these species and establish germplasm collections to face the agricultural challenges ahead.","PeriodicalId":13179,"journal":{"name":"Horticulture Research","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":8.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145089582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}