Expression of COR gene homologues in different plants during cold acclimation

Abstract

To investigate orchard plant response to cold stress, homologs of thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.) COR47 (cold responsive) gene in different plants – herbal and woody – were isolated, and the expression of this gene during the cold acclimation process was examined. Conservative COR47 DNA fragments typical of dicotyledonous plants were established and specific primers (18–20 nucleotide length) were created. Two strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) cultivars (cold-resistant ‘Melody’ and cold sensitive ‘Holiday’), two sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars (cold-sensitive ‘Kordija’ and cold resistant ‘Jurgita’), two sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) cultivars (cold-sensitive ‘Erdi Jubileum’ and cold-resistant ‘Molodiozhnaja’) and the M323 hybrid of sour cherry with sweet cherry were used in the study. Our results show that the COR47 gene homolog transcription is no less than 30 days of cold acclimation at low temperatures. No less than 24–30 days of cold acclimation are necessary for plant hardening. Similar mRNA variations were established in strawberry and cherry plants, implying the similarity of genes involved in the cold acclimation process in orchard plants. Keywords: cherry, cold acclimation, COR47, strawberry