Morphological characterization and RNA sequencing reveal adaptive strategies of

Background: Methods: We investigated the species' adaptive responses using controlled waterlogging experiments on potted plants. Morphological alterations and key growth parameters (culm diameter, plant height, dry biomass) were quantified. We performed transcriptomic profiling by RNA-Seq to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). To elucidate the functional implications of these DEGs, we conducted systematic enrichment analyses using the clusters of orthologous groups (COG), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. Expression patterns of candidate genes were validated using Quantitative Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Flooded plants exhibited significant morphological changes, with key growth parameters decreasing by 14.4-21.8%. A pronounced adaptive response was a 76.6% increase in adventitious root formation. RNA-Seq revealed 207 DEGs (133 upregulated, 74 downregulated). Enrichment analyses indicated these DEGs were predominantly involved in photosynthetic processes, carbohydrate dynamics, and signaling pathways. qRT-PCR confirmed consistent expression patterns for six candidate genes associated with photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. These findings demonstrate that