The WRKY transcription factors are a class of transcriptional regulators that are ubiquitous in plants, wherein they play key roles in various physiological activities, including responses to stress. Specifically, WRKY transcription factors mediate plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses through the binding of their conserved domain to the W-box element of the target gene promoter and the subsequent activation or inhibition of transcription (self-regulation or cross-regulation). In this review, the progress in the research on the regulatory effects of WRKY transcription factors on plant responses to external stresses is summarized, with a particular focus on the structural characteristics, classifications, biological functions, effects on plant secondary metabolism, regulatory networks, and other aspects of WRKY transcription factors. Future research and prospects in this field are also proposed.

Rosa rugosa is an important aromatic plant and produces flowers that are used in medicine, food, plant essential oils, hydrosols, and other aromatic products. 2-phenylethanol (2-PE) is the main effective substance in the volatile organic compounds of rose fragrance, and its synthesis mechanism in R. rugosa needs to be investigated. We herein present a haplotype-resolved genome of R. rugosa cv. Hanxiang (HX). Pathways mediating the synthesis of scent-related metabolites were deciphered in depth. Allelic imbalances reveal the distinct roles of different haplotyping in shaping the key trait including fragrance during the flower development stages. We deciphered the population structure and genetic composition of rose. Selected and mutated genes in groups of separated aromas including but not limited to one rate-limiting enzymes, primary amine oxidases, is responsible for the high level of 2-PE biosynthesis in R. rugosa , which could provide new genetic resources for enhancing aroma in other species.