Drought-Induced SlCLE10 Coordinates Ethylene Biosynthesis and Root Hair Development to Confer Osmotic Stress Tolerance in Tomato

The study investigates the role of the SlCLE10 peptide in tomato plants under hyperosmotic stress, revealing that overexpression of SlCLE10 increases root hair length and enhances drought tolerance. The research identifies a signaling module involving SlCLE10, SlMAPK6, and SlACS2, which regulates root hair formation by promoting ethylene biosynthesis. The SlMAPK6 phosphorylates and stabilizes SlACS2, leading to increased ethylene production. Additionally, the application of SlCLE10 peptide was found to promote root hair growth in various dicot species, suggesting a potential strategy for improving crop drought resistance through genetic enhancement of root hair growth.