Comparison of expression pattern, genomic structure, and promoter analysis of the gene encoding GDP- l -galactose phosphorylase from two Actinidia species

•Transcripts were more abundant in Actinidia eriantha than in A. rufa.•GUS activity of the entire AeGGP promoter was greater than that of ArGGP promoter.•Some negative cis-elements exist in the ArGGP promoter, decreasing the transcriptional levels of GGP in A. rufa.