Transcriptome time-course analysis unravels the regulatory networks governing ratooning decline in sugarcane

This study identifies the R2-R3 transition as the critical period of ratooning decline and uncovers variety-specific coping mechanisms at the molecular level. Different varieties exhibited distinct response pathways within the regulatory network, suggesting genotype-dependent adaptation strategies to ratooning stress. The key hub genes revealed here offer valuable molecular targets and genetic resources for breeding strong-ratooning sugarcane varieties, providing insights for improving sugarcane ratooning performance and sustainability.