Transcriptomic profiling during the initial hours of axillary bud outgrowth reveals genotype-specific responses in energy cane and sugarcane

Plant growth and development are regulated processes influenced by molecular, cellular, physiological mechanisms, and environmental factors. Additionally, meristems play a crucial role in regulating the development of lateral buds (axillary buds), thereby modifying the overall architecture of the plant. In plants of the Saccharum spp. complex, buds play a significant role in the formation of new plants. The establishment of a new field for these plants is achieved through the distribution of stem cuttings containing 3 to 4 buds per segment, pre- sprouted seedlings (PSS) utilizing a single axillary bud, or plants derived from in vitro meristem cultivation. The objective of this study was to identify key genes involved in the pre-emergence regulation of buds by comparing a commercial sugarcane hybrid, characterized by low sprouting speed, with an energy cane cultivar, which exhibits high sprouting speed. To elucidate the regulation of gene expression in buds during the pre- emergence phase, axillary buds were collected during the first 48 h post-planting for transcriptional profiling using RNA-Seq analysis. The results reveal a distinct difference in expression profiles at 0, 24, and 48 h after planting. Notable differences were observed in the expression patterns of genes associated with hormone biosynthesis and degradation, axillary bud dormancy release, cellulose deposition, cell growth, division, expansion, and sugar metabolism. Furthermore, genes related to lactate metabolism were identified as potential negative markers for bud sprouting in Saccharum spp. hybrids. These findings are unprecedented, offering novel insights into the gene regulation mechanisms of axillary buds in sugarcane and energy cane. This contribution holds significant implications for both the scientific community and the agro-industrial sector.