Abstract

Key message: This study identified a gene associated with aluminum stress through GWAS, which regulates aluminum tolerance in alfalfa by contributing to the antioxidant system. Aluminum (Al) ions precipitate in acidic soils with a pH?2O₂ and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the roots, alongside reduced catalase activity, In contrast, the shoots showed an inverse trend. In addition, we found that MsDUF3700-OE alfalfa plants had high Al accumulation in the roots and low Al accumulation in the shoots. Transcripts of MsALS3 and MsPALT1, homologs of Al translocation in alfalfa, were downregulated, while MsNrat1, a homolog of transporters absorb Al, was upregulated in the roots of MsDUF3700-OE in alfalfa. Our research indicates that MsDUF3700 plays a role in aluminum stress by participating in antioxidative defense and facilitating aluminum transport from roots to shoots.