Over Expression of Mango MiGA2ox12 in Tobacco Reduced Plant Height by Reducing GA1 and GA4 Content

The regulation of gibberellic acid 2-oxidase (<i>GA2ox</i>) gene expression represents a critical mechanism in the modulation of endogenous gibberellic acids (GAs) levels, thereby exerting an influence on plant height. In this context, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the GA2ox gene family in mango (<i>Mangifera indica</i> L.), a species of significant economic importance, with the aim of identifying potential candidate genes for mango dwarf breeding. Our findings delineated the presence of at least 14 members within the <i>MiGA2ox</i> gene family in the mango genome, which were further categorized into three subfamilies: C₁₉-GA2ox-I, C₁₉-GA2ox-II, and C₂₀-GA2ox-I. Notably, <i>MiGA2ox12,</i> a member of the C₁₉-GA2ox-II subfamily, exhibited substantial expression across various tissues, including roots, bark, leaves, and flowers. Through overexpression of the <i>MiGA2ox12</i> gene in tobacco, a distinct dwarf phenotype was observed alongside reduced levels of GA₁ and GA₄, while the knockout line exhibited contrasting traits. This provides evidence suggesting that <i>MiGA2ox12</i> may exert control over plant height by modulating GA content. Consequently, the <i>MiGA2ox12</i> gene emerges as a promising candidate for facilitating advancements in mango dwarfing techniques.