Effects of Light and Phytohormone Treatments on the Expression of ζ-Carotene Desaturase Gene (BoaZDS) in Chinese Kale

Chinese kale variety 'Sijicutiao' was used as the plant material. Chinese kale seedlings were treated by different light qualities, light intensities and phytohormones, and the expression of ζ-carotene desaturase gene (BoaZDS) was analyzed. The results showed that red & blue light significantly promoted the expression of BoaZDS gene, peaked at 6 h and the expression level was 2.33 folds than that of the control. Blue light also induced the expression of BoaZDS gene in the late stage (72 h). Strong light had a significant effect on BoaZDS gene expression, peaked at 24 h and the expression level was 5.64 folds than that of the control, whereas weak light inhibited the BoaZDS gene expression. Abscisic acid and salicylic acid induced the expression of BoaZDS gene, and expression patterns were bimodal. Both methyl jasmonate and gibberellin acid inhibited the expression of the BoaZDS gene. The results provided a basis for further study on the regulation mechanism of BoaZDS gene.