Transcriptomic Insights into Seed Germination Mechanisms of the Bamboo Qiongzhuea tumidinoda

Seed germination is a complex developmental process and a critical stage in plant development. The mechanism of seed germination in Qiongzhuea tumidinoda remains unclear. In this study, the transcriptomic analysis of four germination stages was conducted to reveal the regulatory mechanism. Totals of 2352, 5523, and 4533 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in S2 vs. S1, S3 vs. S1, and S4 vs. S1, respectively. A total of 998 DEGs were identified during seed germination. Enrichment studies indicated that the DEGs were mainly involved in plant hormone signal transduction and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. In addition, 131 transcription factors were differentially expressed, of which ERFs and MYBs may play pivotal roles in seed germination. To sum up, TGA4, IAA24, SAUR32, AHK4, and HCT4 may regulate seed germination.