Genome-Wide Identification, Phylogenetic Classification, and Expression Profiling of the HSF Gene Family in Rosa hybrida Under Heat and Drought Stress

<i>Rosa hybrida</i> (<i>R. hybrida</i>), a widely cultivated ornamental species, is increasingly threatened by climate-induced abiotic stresses, including heat and drought. Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) are critical for plant stress responses, yet their roles in <i>R. hybrida</i> remain understudied. In this research, 71 HSF genes were identified from the haplotype-resolved genome of the tetraploid variety 'Samantha'. These genes were classified into three major classes (HSFA, HSFB, HSFC) and 15 subgroups based on phylogenetic and motif analysis. Gene structure and conserved motifs revealed subgroup-specific functional divergence. Promoter analysis identified abundant hormone- and stress-responsive cis-elements, particularly for abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid. Synteny analysis suggested that segmental duplication contributed to the RhHSF family's expansion. Tissue-specific expression profiling revealed distinct roles for HSFs, with HSFB genes predominantly expressed in reproductive tissues and HSFA genes in vegetative organs. Expression under heat and drought stress showed dynamic, subgroup-dependent responses, with HSFC members playing significant roles. Functional assays demonstrated that <i>RhHSF17</i>, induced by both stresses and ABA, localized to the nucleus, and its overexpression in Arabidopsis enhanced drought tolerance. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the RhHSF gene family, offering insights into their roles in stress tolerance and laying the foundation for future functional research.