The mechanism of low blue light-induced leaf senescence mediated by GmCRY1s in soybean

Abstract Leaf senescence is a crucial trait that has a significant impact on crop quality and yield. Previous studies have demonstrated that light is a key factor in modulating the senescence process. However, the precise mechanism by which plants sense light and control senescence remains largely unknown, particularly in crop species. In this study, we reveal that the reduction in blue light under shading conditions can efficiently induce leaf senescence in soybean. The blue light receptors GmCRY1s rather than GmCRY2s, primarily regulate leaf senescence in response to blue light signals. Our results show that GmCRY1s interact with DELLA proteins under light-activated conditions, stabilizing them and consequently suppressing the transcription of GmWRKY100 to delay senescence. Conversely, LBL reduces the interaction between GmCRY1s and the DELLA proteins, leading to their degradation and premature senescence of leaves. Our findings suggest a GmCRY1s-GmDELLAs-GmWRKY100 regulatory cascade that is involved in mediating LBL-induced leaf senescence in soybean, providing insight into the mechanism of how light signals regulate leaf senescence. Additionally, we generate GmWRKY100 knockout soybeans that show delayed leaf senescence and improved yield under natural field conditions, indicating potential applications in enhancing soybean production by manipulating the leaf senescence trait.