Drought-induced 19 gene FvDi19-3 from woodland strawberry enhances drought and salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis

Di19 (drought-induced 19) proteins play a crucial role in regulating plant development and various stress responses. However, a systematic identification and functional analysis of the Di19gene family members in woodland strawberry has yet to be conducted. In this study, we identified four Di19 genes in woodland strawberry, and analyzed the phylogenetic tree, conserved protein domains, and gene structure. Cis-elements suggested that FvDi19s may be involved in plant development and stress responses. Gene expression analysis revealed diverse expression patterns ofFvDi19s under different stress conditions, and overexpression of FvDi19senhanced drought and salt tolerance in yeast. Transgenic and stress tolerance assays indicated FvDi19-3 overexpression in Arabidopsis enhanced plant drought and salt tolerance by promoting stomatal closure, improving the plant's ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species and the expression of drought or salt-responsive genes. Furthermore, the LUC/REN ratio indicated that FvWRKY42and FvMYB114 can activate the expression of FvDi19-3, and expression of these three genes is dependent on the ABA signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study characterized the Di19 gene family in woodland strawberry and investigated the biological functions of FvDi19-3 in drought and salt tolerance, providing a basis for further functional studies of FvDi19s in responses to abiotic stress.