The ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR6-GRETCHEN HAGEN3.5 module regulates rooting and heat tolerance in Dimocarpus longan

Abstract Heat stress can seriously affect plant growth and development. Ethylene response factors (ERFs) play important roles in plant development and physiological responses. Here, we identified DlERF6, an ERF family transcription factor that promotes heat tolerance in Dimocarpus longan. DlERF6 was strongly induced by heat stress and IAA treatment in longan roots. Overexpression of DlERF6 generated abundant, fast-growing hairy roots and enhanced longan heat stress tolerance by promoting IAA biosynthesis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. Additional assays indicated that DlERF6 directly binds to the DlGH3.5 promoter and represses its expression. Overexpressing DlGH3.5 reduced hairy root number, root length and heat tolerance, concomitant with a reduction in IAA content and ROS scavenging. Collectively, these results reveal the molecular mechanism through which the DlERF6–DlGH3.5 module regulates root growth and heat stress tolerance, providing a gene network that can be used for the genetic improvement of longan.