International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.4, 162-170 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 167 6.2 Key genes in biosynthetic pathways The biosynthesis of floral substances in pitaya is regulated by the gene network. In petunias, a special gene called LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY) plays a key role in regulating the timing of volatile substance release. This gene achieves this regulation by controlling the expression of related genes in the FVBP metabolic pathway (Fenske et al., 2015). There may also be a similar system in pitaya flowers, with key transcription factors regulating the floral fragrance synthesis genes and controlling the production of odors Regulation at the chromatin level, such as histone acetylation, has been shown to mediate diurnal fluctuations of specific metabolites in flowers. Regulation of dynamic changes involving histone acetylation markers is an important mechanism regulating the rhythmic expression of genes related to floral synthesis and release (Patrick et al., 2023; Lv et al., 2024). Similar epigenetic mechanisms may also play an important role in the regulation of pitaya floral synthesis. How pitaya flowers regulate odor production can be studied 6.3 How flowers release scents at the right time Pitaya flowers probably use their internal biological clock, or circadian clock, to decide when to release scents. This clock helps the flowers synchronize scent release with the activity of nighttime pollinators. In petunia flowers, the circadian clock gene LHY ensures scent compounds are made mostly in the evening, exactly when pollinators are active (Fenske et al., 2015). Pitaya likely uses a similar method to make sure it attracts pollinators efficiently. Chromatin modifications also affect the release of fragrance from pitaya flowers. Histone acetylation markers (such as H3K9ac and H3K27ac) are dynamically regulated and can affect odor production, and when these markers are removed at night, there is no synthesis of flower substances in the morning (Patrick et al., 2023). In pitaya, this epigenetic regulation may also affect when and how the aroma is released. The timing of fragrance release is often closely related to environmental changes. 7 Flowering and Pollination Interaction 7.1 Main pollinators and their behaviors Pitaya flowers open at night. This matches the active times of their main pollinators like bats and moths. These pollinators are drawn to the flowers because they have a strong smell and bloom during the night. Flowers close by morning, which fits the lifestyle of these night-time visitors. This night-time blooming helps pitaya plants get pollinated more easily (Xiong et al., 2020; Ye et al., 2021). How these pollinators behave is very important for pitaya plants to reproduce. Bats can travel far, which helps carry pollen between plants that are far apart. Moths like the flowers’scent and can visit many flowers in just one night. Understanding how these pollinators behave can help farmers grow better pitaya fruits (Xiong et al., 2020; Ye et al., 2021). 7.2 Synchronicity of flowering and pollinator activity The flower and the pollinator are active at the same time, which makes pollination more efficient. pitaya flowers bloom at night, when pollinators such as bats and moths are most active. Pollinators find flowers by smell and color, and matching the time can increase the chance of pollination and ensure successful pollination (Xiong et al., 2020; Ye et al., 2021). The timing of flowering is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as day length and temperature. Such as HuNIP6; 1 gene can play an important role in regulating flowering time, ensuring that flowering time coincides with pollinator activity. This level of regulation is important for maintaining flowering and pollination synchronization and improving the reproductive rate of pitaya plants (Ye et al., 2021). 7.3 Studies on self- and cross-pollination mechanisms Pitaya is self-fertile and cross-pollinates, which in effect leads to better fruits and seeds. Cross-pollination mixes the genes of different plants together, producing genetic diversity that is better adapted to the environment. Pollinators play an important role in pollen transport between different plants (Xiong et al., 2020; Ye et al., 2021).
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