Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, encoded by a family of LEA genes, are vital in conferring stress tolerance in plants through their unique intrinsically disordered structure that can stabilise cellular components under desiccated conditions. While the protective capabilities of LEA proteins are well-documented across various crops, their specific roles in pecan (Carya illinoinensis), a highly nutritious and economically significant nut crop, remain largely unexplored. This gap of knowledge needs to be addressed as pecan yields face threats from escalating drought and salinity issues, intensified by ongoing climate change. This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of LEA genes within the pecan genome. We have successfully identified 332 LEA genes distributed across 15 of the 16 chromosomes in four genomes of pecan, categorized into 8 distinct subgroups based on their conserved motif regions. Synteny analysis provided a deeper understanding of their evolutionary trajectories. Utilizing extensive transcriptomic datasets, we explored the tissue-specific expression patterns of LEA genes in pecan, discovering diverse expression profiles across various tissues. Ongoing studies include promoter analysis and assessments of gene expression under abiotic stress conditions. To specifically address the impact of drought, heat and salinity, clonal pecan plants are being subjected to these stressors under controlled conditions in tissue culture and greenhouse settings. This approach aims to directly observe the physiological and molecular responses of LEA genes under realistic stress simulations. The presence of LEA genes across a vast majority of pecan chromosomes and their diverse subgroup classifications suggests a genome-wide defense mechanism potentially key to enhancing the stress tolerance of pecan trees. By understanding and harnessing these genes, our research seeks to elucidate plant stress responses at the molecular level allowing the development of genetic strategies to ensure the sustainability of pecan by mitigating adverse environmental impacts on its production. This knowledge could also be applied in a diverse array of other economically significant crops.
