Moso bamboo sucrose synthase gene SUS3 promotes earlier germination of tiller buds in Dendrocalamus brandisii ‘Manxie Tianzhu’

Key message

Transient overexpression of PeSUS3 using a BaMV vector in D. brandisii ‘Manxie Tianzhu’ enhanced tillering bud germination and growth, suggesting a crucial role for sucrose metabolism in bamboo development.

Abstract

Bamboo shoots are highly sought after in China for their nutritional value. Dendrocalamus brandisii ‘Manxie Tianzhu’ (Manxie Sweet Dragon Bamboo) faces supply challenges due to limited distribution, necessitating faster growing, higher yielding varieties. The sucrose synthase gene, particularly PeSUS3, is vital for sucrose metabolism, nutrient transport, and regulating dormancy release and bud germination, yet its role in bamboo shoot production is not well understood. This study used a bamboo mosaic virus vector (BaMV) to overexpress PeSUS3 in D. brandisii ‘Manxie Tianzhu’ seedlings. PeSUS3 was cloned into the BaMV-P19-EGFP-2 vector, introduced into Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and used to infect tobacco leaves. The resulting virus was mechanically inoculated into the bamboo seedlings. Analysis revealed that PeSUS3 overexpression increased the number of tiller buds and accelerated germination by 1–2 days compared to controls. Despite the transient overexpression of PeSUS3, the increased sucrose content in the overexpressing plants suggests a role for sucrose metabolism in these processes. These findings emphasize the importance of the transient overexpression of PeSUS3 in promoting tillering bud germination and growth in D. brandisii ‘Manxie Tianzhu’, providing a foundation for future research on its function and mechanisms.