Stress Regulatory capabilities discovered in late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins expressed during pecan (Carya illinoinensis) kernel development

This is the first comprehensive study of pecan LEA proteins and underscores LEAP4's dual role in osmotic adjustment and desiccation tolerance, positioning it as a key candidate for improving abiotic stress resilience. The molecular insights on stress adaptation mechanisms gained through the conserved yet diverse LEA family in pecan kernels enables us to explore LEA-mediated regulatory networks across diverse abiotic stress conditions to mitigate crop losses in perennial tree crops, with implications for breeding programs and postharvest storage protocols.