The mining and evolutionary investigation of AP2/ERF genes in pear (Pyrus).

The AP2/ERF gene family is greatly expanded in pear. Comparative analysis revealed the probability of ERF genes performing functional roles in multiple pathways. Expression analysis at different stages of pear fruit development in wild and cultivated samples indicated that genes in group III might be involved in abiotic and/or biotic stresses. Further transcriptome data on seedlings subjected to drought treatment verified the potential role of ERF genes in stress response. These results will provide a valuable reference for understanding the function and evolution of the ERF family in higher plants.