Molecular cloning and functional characterization of CmFT (FLOWERING LOCUS T) from Cucumis melo L.

ABSTRACT

CmFT homologous gene in muskmelon was obtained by homologous cloning, introducing CmFT gene by Agrobacteriummediated transformation. The results of subcellular localization showed that CmFT protein was expressed in cytoplasm and nucleus. qRTPCR results showed that the expression levels of AtLFY, AtFT, AtCO, AtFLC, AtSOC1 and AtAP1 were upregulated in the 35SMeFT Arabidopsis line. The CmFT gene was introduced into wild-type Arabidopsis by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and the growth status of T2 transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and wild-type A. thaliana was observed. The results showed that wild-type Arabidopsis began to bolt on the 25th day after sowing, we can initially confirm that the FT gene of melon can promote the early flowering of melon in the growth and development of melon.