Abscisic acid (ABA) and low temperatures synergistically increase the expression of CBF/DREB1 transcription factors and cold-hardiness in grapevine dormant buds

Background and Aims It has been reported that low temperatures (LTs) and the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) induce the expression of CBF/DREB1 transcription factors in vegetative tissues and seedlings of Vitis vinifera and Vitis riparia and that foliar applications of ABA to V. vinifera increase the freezing tolerance or cold-hardiness of dormant buds. However, the combined effect of ABA and LTs on the expression of CBF/DREB1 transcription factors and on the acquisition of freezing tolerance in dormant grapevine buds has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to analyse the combined effect of ABA and LT treatments on the expression of CBF/DREB transcription factors and the acquisition of freezing tolerance. Methods In vitro experiments with single-bud cuttings of grapevines were used to analyse the effect of ABA, ABA + LT and LT on the expression of CBF/DREB transcription factors, dehydrin and antioxidant genes, the acquisition of freezing tolerance and the endogenous content of ABA. Gene expression analysis was performed by quantitative real-time PCR and freezing tolerance was determined by measuring the low-temperature exotherm by differential thermal analysis. ABA levels were determined by gas chromatography coupled to an electron capture detector. Key Results The LT treatment and exogenous application of ABA to grapevine dormant buds increased the expression of the CBF/DREB1 transcription factors VvCBF2, VvCBF3, VvCBF4 and VvCBF6. The joint application of LT and ABA produced a huge increase in the expression of these transcription factors, which was greater than the sum of the increases produced by them individually, which indicates the existence of a synergistic effect between ABA and LT on the activation of these transcription factors. This synergic effect was also observed on the increase in bud cold-hardiness and on the expression of antioxidant and dehydrin genes. Conclusions The synergy between ABA and LT on the expression of CBF/DREB1 transcription factors VvCBF2, VvCBF3, VvCBF4 and VvCBF6 plays a key role in cold acclimatization of grapevine buds. The results highlight the importance of the combination of stimuli in the improvement of genetic and physiological responses and help us to understand the adaption of plants to complex environments.