Cold stress adaptation in Trifolium ambiguum: physiological and transcriptomic insights

These findings provide insights into the cold adaptation mechanisms of <i>T. ambiguum</i>. The early upregulation of antioxidant and photosynthesis-related genes, along with the activation of flavonoid biosynthesis pathways later on, suggests a complex and staged response to cold stress. These insights could inform the breeding of cold-resistant forage crops, contributing to more resilient leguminous species in colder climates.