Objective This study aimed to analyze the role of PeERF1 gene under drought stress in Populus euphratica, and evaluate the physiological adaptation mechanism of PeERF1 transgenic ‘ 84k’ (Populus alba × Populus glandulosa ‘84k’) to drought resistance for providing insights into further study of the drought resistance regulation mechanism of this gene in woody plants.

MethodsThe drought (0, 12 and 24 h) treatment simulated with 20% PEG6000 was carried out on P. euphratica to analyze the temporal and spatial expression pattern of the PeERF1. Based on non-transgenic (WT), overexpressing 35S::PeERF1 transgenic plants (PE), and dominantly suppressed 35S::PeERF1-SRDX transgenic plants (SE), WT, PE and SE were treated with different concentrations of PEG-6000 (Control and 20%) to simulate drought stress, and analyzed for growth traits and physiological indicators.

ResultsThe results showed that the expression level of PeERF1 gene was the highest in leaves of P. euphratica, followed by stems and roots. Under normal conditions, the transgenic plants and the WT showed little change in growth traits, chlorophyll content, catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and peroxide dismutase (POD) content. Under 20% PEG6000 treatment, the PE transgenic plants showed better growth status, and higher chlorophyll content, CAT and POD content than WT, and the PE transgenic plants showed lower MDA content than WT, while the SE transgenic plants showed opposite traits.

Conclusion Under drought dress, significant changes are found in the growth status, chlorophyll content, catalase, malondialdehyde and peroxidase related physiological indicators of transgenic plants. PeERF1 plays a positive regulatory role on transgenic P. alba × P. glandulosa ‘84k’ in response to drought.