Released: 13-Feb-2026 9:00 PM EST
How a Single Gene Drives Creeping Growth in Wild Chrysanthemum
Prostrate growth habit is a highly desirable plant architecture trait that enhances lodging resistance, landscape coverage, and ornamental value. However, its genetic and molecular basis has remained poorly understood in chrysanthemum. This study dissects the genetic control of prostrate growth by integrating long-term phenotyping, high-density genetic mapping, and functional gene validation. Researchers identified stable genomic regions controlling multiple architecture-related traits and pinpointed a key regulatory gene that promotes creeping growth. Functional analyses further demonstrated how this gene reshapes stem development and plant form. Together, the findings provide a mechanistic explanation for prostrate growth habit and deliver molecular tools that can accelerate the breeding of low-maintenance, ground-cover chrysanthemum varieties.
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