CrCUL11 regulates hormonal and redox signaling to promote adventitious bud formation in camellia reticulata

• CrCUL11 promotes buds formation by balancing auxin-cytokinin & inducing TFs. • CrCUL11 enhances AsA/GSH, scavenges ROS to optimize regeneration. • CrCUL11 shows early auxin response, suppressed by high cytokinin. • First CULLIN study in woody ornamentals, aiding regeneration. As an essential ornamental plant for horticultural applications, Camellia reticulata has high ornamental and economic value, yet its in vitro regeneration remains technically challenging. Our research found that CrCUL11 , a CULLIN family gene related to auxin signaling, is a key regulatory factor for adventitious bud differentiation in C. reticulata. The heterologous transformation of tobacco indicates that CrCUL11 regulates the levels of endogenous auxin and cytokinin, activates transcription factors (e.g., WOX, YUCCA, ARR, and CRE), and forms a hormonal balance network. This network can be achieved through exogenous plant growth regulators (0.20 mg/L IBA + 1.00 mg/L 6-BA) or through red-blue light regulation (blue: red light = 2:1). Importantly, CrCUL11 promotes the synthesis of ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH), and eliminates ROS to maintain redox homeostasis. This study reveals the dual role of CrCUL11 in hormone-antioxidant crosstalk, providing a new approach for improving the C. reticulata regenerative system.