The GmERF011- GmMRFL regulatory module integrates floral transition and drought stress adaptation in soybean

Flowering time and drought resistance are two pivotal agronomic traits in soybean. Elucidating coregulatory modules that link soybean flowering and drought response is essential for constructing comprehensive molecular maps of trait coupling. In this study, we identified that MORN-MOTIF REPEAT PROTEIN REGULATING FLOWERING LIKE (GmMRFL) gene functions as a bifunctional regulator that concurrently promotes floral transition by upregulating the expression of Flowering Locus T (FT) genes and enhances drought resilience through stomatal adjustment, accompanied by abscisic acid (ABA) signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) suppression. In addition, the transcription factor AP2/ETHYLENE-RESPONSIVE FACTOR 011 (GmERF011) specifically binds to and activates the Hap1 promoter variant of GmMRFL, thereby promoting the upregulation of GmMRFL expression. Phenotypic analyses of hairy roots validated the role of GmERF011 in enhancing drought tolerance in soybean. Integrated molecular analyses revealed that GmMRFL interacts with ANKYRIN REPEAT DOMAIN PROTEIN 2 (GmANK2). These findings demonstrate that GmMRFL serves as a molecular hub that coordinately modulates photoperiod-dependent flowering regulation and drought adaptation, thereby establishing it as a prime target for multi-trait engineering in precision crop breeding.