# Functional Characterization of KNOX and BELL Genes in Temperature-Responsive Floral Morphogenesis of Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis)

## TL;DR

This study explores how specific genes in passion fruit influence flower development under different temperatures, aiming to improve climate resilience in crops.

## Contribution

The first genome-wide analysis of TALE transcription factors in passion fruit, revealing their roles in temperature-responsive floral development.

## Key findings

- PeTALE21 regulates corona initiation, while PeTALE17 is active in later floral stages.
- Cold stress upregulates PeTALE15/16/19/22 and heat suppresses PeTALE10/18/21.
- PeTALE3/16/18/22/23 interact in a network that supports floral thermoresilience.

## Abstract

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), a tropical crop of significant economic value, exhibits temperature-sensitive floral development. Here, we identified 23 TALE transcription factors (PeTALEs) and characterized their roles in floral organogenesis and thermal adaptation. Phylogenetic analysis classified PeTALEs into KNOX and BELL subfamilies, with conserved domain architectures and cis-regulatory elements linked to stress and hormone signaling. Spatiotemporal expression profiling revealed PeTALE21 as a key regulator of corona initiation, while PeTALE17 dominated in later floral stages. Temperature stress assays demonstrated cold-induced upregulation of PeTALE15/16/19/22 and heat-mediated suppression of PeTALE10/18/21. Yeast two-hybrid assays uncovered functional interactions between PeTALE3/16/18/22/23, highlighting a network governing floral thermoresilience. This study provides the first genome-wide analysis of PeTALEs, offering insights for breeding climate-resilient passion fruit varieties.