The PvAURK-PvGRFs regulatory module controls salt tolerance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

PvAURK-PvGRF regulatory module is linked to enhanced salt tolerance in common bean, with Hap2 of PvAURK showing the strongest association.

• Why it matters: Understanding the molecular basis of salt tolerance in common bean is crucial for breeding resilient crops, as salt stress limits productivity and is poorly understood at the genetic level.
• What they did: A genome-wide association study of 494 diverse accessions identified PvAURK as a key gene, and functional assays confirmed its interaction with PvGRF2 and PvGRF5, which positively regulate salt tolerance.
• The result: PvAURK modulates the salt stress response by regulating ROS scavenging through PvGRFs, and the Hap2 haplotype, with key SNPs, is predominant in natural populations, enabling marker-assisted breeding.