Insights into tea tree oil-mediated transcriptome modulation in Rosa hybrida

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the impact of substituting conventional antifungal treatments with a commercial Tea Tree Oil (TTO) formulation in Rosa hybrida crop plants grown under controlled industrial conditions. Using a transcriptomic approach, we analyzed both leaves and petals to assess the molecular responses to TTO application. Our results revealed a pronounced transcriptomic shift in leaves, where 26 genes were significantly upregulated and one was downregulated, whereas petals displayed more subtle changes. The upregulated genes in leaves were enriched in pathways associated with lipid metabolism, cell wall modification, and plant defense, supporting the view that TTO acts as a bio-stimulant by activating stress-response transcriptional programs. In petals, the few upregulated genes included four transcriptional regulators, while the downregulated set encompassed lipase-like enzymes, cytochrome P450s, and a glucoside malonyltransferase. The comparatively diminished response in petals, which are functional specialized in pollination and have a more limited longevity compared to leaves, supports the view that systemic transcriptional adjustments are more evident in vegetative organs. These findings are consistent with previous reports of TTO’s ability to modulate plant stress responses and reinforce its potential as a bio-based alternative to synthetic fungicides in sustainable floriculture.