Transcriptomic profiling reveals bud dormancy stage dynamics in Japanese cedar (<i>Cryptomeria japonica</i>) throughout the nongrowing period

This study aimed to characterize the vegetative bud status of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica [L.f.] D. Don) throughout the nongrowing period (October-March). Based on the results of twig experiments and transcriptome analysis, we divided the nongrowing period into four stages. Buds were estimated to form between October and November (stage 1), with bud hardening continuing until December (stage 2). Endodormancy was released and transitioned into ecodormancy in mid-to-late December, with the timing varying by genotype. Buds endured harsh winter conditions during January and February (stage 3) and prepared for subsequent growth in March (stage 4). The number of days to bud burst (DBB) under forcing conditions gradually decreased after the transition to ecodormancy, culminating in bud burst in the field in late April. Transcriptome analysis identified key genes presumed to regulate these stages, such as CONSTANS-like and core clock genes. Furthermore, analysis of three genotypes with differing dormancy characteristics revealed DBB-associated genes, indicating the potential involvement of phytohormone cytokinins in regulating bud burst. Additionally, the PEBP- and SVP-like genes, known for their roles in dormancy regulation in other tree species, exhibited distinct expression patterns in Japanese cedar, highlighting variations in dormancy control mechanisms. This study is the first to categorize bud dormancy stages in conifers during the nongrowing period based on molecular data, and the results provide foundational insights for future investigations into conifer dormancy.