Abstract: INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the transcriptional levels of adventitious root formation in different Lycium barbarum genotypes with varying root-forming abilities and aims to identify key genes involved in this process. The findings will provide a theoretical basis for in-depth research on the molecular mechanisms underlying adventitious root formation in wolfberry. 
RATIONALE: Three wolfberry genotypes with different root-forming abilities were used as experimental materials. A hydroponic experiment was conducted to analyze the transcriptional differences during adventitious root formation.
RESULTS: Transcriptome sequencing identified 6448 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with the L-vs-H group having the highest number of DEGs at 4413, including 2583 upregulated and 1830 downregulated genes. A total of 281 transcription factors were identified, mainly from the MYB, AP2/ERF, and bHLH families, with distinct expression patterns. GO enrichment analysis revealed that 1714 DEGs were enriched in 32 GO terms. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were mainly enriched in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction pathways. Among these, MYB19 (Lba07g01820) is a core gene in the phenylpropanoid pathway, and TIR1 (Lba08g00069) is a core gene in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway. Both genes play crucial roles in adventitious root formation in wolfberry. qRT-PCR validated the reliability of the transcriptome data. 
CONCLUSION: This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms of adventitious root formation in wolfberry and lays a theoretical foundation for the genetic improvement and efficient propagation of wolfberry and other woody plants.

Schematic diagram of transcriptomic analysis of adventitic root generation under hydroponics of Lycium barbarum

Key words: Wolfberry,, Hydroponics,, Adventitious roots formation,, Transcriptomics,, Key genes