Expression analysis of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism in Prunus dulcis Mill. in response to frost stress

Almonds (Prunus dulcis Mill.) are a crucial deciduous nut crop on a global scale. The development of fruiting buds necessitates a period of chilling during the winter. However, the presence of early or late spring frost may cause harm to reproductive tissues, particularly anthers, resulting in a decrease in productivity. The critical roles of carbohydrates and the key enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism in plants are well-known for achieving maximum frost tolerance. Despite the significance of genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, little is known about the expression patterns of the key genes in almond anthers. In this study, the expression profiles of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism were compared between cold-sensitive and cold-tolerant almond genotypes  and cultivar. Cold-tolerant genotypes demonstrated higher expression levels of PdHEX1, PdINV, PdPEPcK, PdPGK, PdSUS, and PdUGPase genes in comparison to sensitive genotypes. This could imply a positive role of these genes in the cold tolerance of almonds. To conclude, examining the expression profile of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolic processes can provide valuable insights into the response of almonds and other Prunus species to cold stresses. Additionally, the H genotype, which blooms late and is frost-tolerant, has the potential to be introduced as a cold-tolerant genotype.