Gamma (γ)-irradiation can induce changes in plant morphology, cellular physiological activities, and genetic material. To date, there has been limited research on the molecular basis of leaf morphological abnormalities and physiological changes in irradiated rose plants. In this study, Rosa multiflora ‘Libellula’ plants were treated with ⁶⁰Co γ-rays. The irradiation resulted in the distortion of blade morphology. Additionally, the leaf chlorophyll content decreased, whereas the accumulation of reactive oxygen species increased. The differentially expressed genes between the control and 2–3 plants irradiated with 50 Gy were analyzed by RNA-seq technology, which revealed genes related to chlorophyll metabolism were differentially expressed. The expression levels of genes related to the regulation of antioxidant enzyme synthesis were downregulated. An RNA-seq analysis also identified the differentially expressed regulatory genes involved in leaf morphology development. Four genes (RcYABBY1, RcARF18, RcARF9, and RcWOX8) were selected, and their expression patterns in different leaf development stages and in various plant organs were analyzed. Furthermore, virus-induced gene silencing technology was used to verify that RcYABBY1 is involved in the morphogenesis of R. multiflora ‘Libellula’ leaves. The results of this study are useful for clarifying the molecular, physiological, and morphological changes in irradiated rose plants.

AGL6 genes are critical floral regulators in diverse angiosperms, yet their roles in legumes remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize GmAGL6 genes in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr. cv. Williams 82). We identified four homologs (GmAGL6a–d) featuring conserved MADS-box and K-box domains that cluster within the AGL6 lineage. Tissue-specific expression profiling revealed significant transcript enrichment during flower bud differentiation and maturation. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we generated quadruple knockout lines to evaluate gene function. Phenotypic analysis showed that, unlike the homeotic transformations typical of AGL6 loss in monocots, Gmagl6 quadruple mutants retained a standard papilionaceous floral structure without keel petal aberrations. However, the mutants did not show significant changes in floral height or width, but exhibited a significantly increased floral height-to-width ratio and smaller mature seeds, while vegetative architecture and podding capacity remained unaffected. These results suggest that GmAGL6 genes in soybean may function primarily in the regulation of floral proportion and seed development rather than floral organ identity. This research provides insights into the evolution of specialized legume flowers and suggests candidate genes for seed size improvement.

GATA transcription factors are crucial for plant development and environmental responses, yet their roles in plant evolution and root nodule symbiosis are still not well understood. This study identified GATA genes across the genomes of 77 representative plant species, revealing that this gene family originated in Charophyta and significantly expanded in both gymnosperms and angiosperms. Phylogenetic analyses, along with examinations of conserved motifs and cis-regulatory elements in Glycine max and Arabidopsis, clearly demonstrated structural and functional divergence within the GATA family. Chromosomal mapping and synteny analysis indicated that GATA gene expansion in soybean primarily resulted from whole-genome duplication events. These genes also exhibit high conservation and signs of purifying selection in Glycine max, Lotus japonicus, and Medicago truncatula. Furthermore, by integrating phylogenetic and transcriptomic data from eight nitrogen-fixing legume species, several GATA genes were identified as strongly co-expressed with NIN1, suggesting their potential co-regulatory roles in nodule development and symbiosis. Collectively, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary dynamics of the GATA gene family and highlights their potential involvement in root nodule symbiosis in legumes, thus providing a theoretical foundation for future mechanistic studies.