Summary: The cotton genus comprises both diploid and allotetraploid species, and the diversity in petal colour within this genus offers valuable targets for studying orthologous gene function differentiation and evolution. However, the genetic basis for this diversity in petal colour remains largely unknown. The red petal colour primarily comes from C, G, K, and D genome species, and it is likely that the common ancestor of cotton had red petals. Here, by employing a clone mapping strategy, we mapped the red petal trait to a specific region on chromosome A07 in upland cotton. Genomic comparisons and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the red petal phenotype introgressed from G. bickii. Transcriptome analysis indicated that GhRPRS1, which encodes a glutathione S‐transferase, was the causative gene for the red petal colour. Knocking out GhRPRS1 resulted in white petals and the absence of red spots, while overexpression of both genotypes of GhRPRS1 led to red petals. Further analysis suggested that GhRPRS1 played a role in transporting pelargonidin‐3‐O‐glucoside and cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside. Promoter activity analysis indicated that variations in the promoter, but not in the gene body of GhRPRS1, have led to different petal colours within the genus. Our findings provide new insights into orthologous gene evolution as well as new strategies for modifying promoters in cotton breeding.

Sucrose non-fermenting protein 7 (SNF7) is a core operator of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport III (ESCRT-III) component mediating protein sorting and degradation. To date, the SNF7 gene family remains poorly characterized in plants, particularly in maize (Zea mays L.). Here, we integrated bioinformatic and transcriptomic analyses to systematically characterize the ZmSNF7 gene family and its regulatory potential in stress responses. In total, 20 ZmSNF7 genes were identified genome-wide and classified into three phylogenetic clades, with conserved motifs and similar tertiary structures within the same clade. Abundant hormone- and stress-responsive cis-elements were detected in their promoters. Protein interaction prediction indicated ZmSNF7 proteins interact with intra-family members and other ESCRT components. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested ZmSNF7s are primarily involved in endomembrane system organization and vesicular trafficking. Transcriptomic data revealed divergent ZmSNF7 expression patterns under drought, Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) infection, Colletotrichum graminicola (C. graminicola) inoculation and Asian corn borer (ACB) infestation. Collectively, this study comprehensively characterized the ZmSNF7 gene family and broadened our functional understanding of ZmSNF7 in mediating plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Oral secretions (OS) of the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis) play pivotal roles in its interactions with host plants. To systematically characterize the composition and potential functions of OS, 245 functionally annotated proteins from O. furnacalis reared on artificial diet were identified using an integrated approach combining transcriptomics and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Bioinformatics analyses were further performed to predict 16 effector proteins. Subsequent tissue-specific expression assays were conducted to quantify the transcriptional levels of genes encoding these effector proteins in salivary glands, guts, and residual tissues. Among these genes, OfGDH2, OfPero2, OfPero3, and OfCBP were highly expressed in salivary glands, OfGDH3, OfRGD, OfEST1, OfEST2, OfMET, and Offerrin showed high expression in guts, while OfSP34 was abundantly expressed in both salivary glands and guts. This study represents the first systematic characterization of the molecular profile of O. furnacalis OS, thereby laying a solid foundation for future investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying the host adaptation of this pest.