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The PEBP gene family plays a significant role in regulating flower development and formation. To understand its function in Dendrobium chrysotoxum and D. nobile flowering, we identified 22 PEBP genes (11 DchPEBPs and 11 DnoPEBPs) from both species. We conducted analyses on their conserved domains and motifs, phylogenetic relationships, chromosome distribution, collinear correlation, and cis elements. The classification results showed that the 22 PEBPs were mainly divided into three clades, as follows: FT, MFT, and TFL1. A sequence analysis showed that most PEBP proteins contained five conserved domains, while a gene structure analysis revealed that 77% of the total PEBP genes contained four exons and three introns. The promoter regions of the 22 PEBPs contained several cis elements related to hormone induction and light response. This suggests these PEBPs could play a role in regulating flower development by controlling photoperiod and hormone levels. Additionally, a collinearity analysis revealed three pairs of duplicate genes in the genomes of both D. chrysotoxum and D. nobile. Furthermore, RT-qPCR has found to influence the regulatory effect of DchPEBPs on the development of flower organs (sepals, petals, lip, ovary, and gynostemium) during the flowering process (bud, transparent stage, and initial bloom). The results obtained imply that DchPEBP8 and DchPEBP9 play a role in the initial bloom and that DchPEBP7 may inhibit flowering processes. Moreover, DchPEBP9 may potentially be involved in the development of reproductive functionality. PEBPs have regulatory functions that modulate flowering. FT initiates plant flowering by mediating photoperiod and temperature signals, while TFL1 inhibits flowering processes. These findings provide clues for future studies on flower development in Dendrobium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SPL transcription factors regulate important processes such as plant growth and development, metabolic regulation, and abiotic stress. They play crucial roles in the development of flower organs. However, little is known about the characteristics and functions of the SPLs in the Orchidaceae. In this study, Cymbidium goeringii Rchb. f., Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl., and Gastrodia elata BI. were used as research objects. The SPL gene family of these orchids was analyzed on a genome-wide scale, and their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, and expression patterns were studied. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR methods were combined to investigate the regulatory effect of SPLs on the development of flower organs during the flowering process (bud, initial bloom, and full bloom). This study identifies a total of 43 SPLs from C. goeringii (16), D. chrysotoxum (17), and G. elata (10) and divides them into eight subfamilies according to the phylogenetic tree. Most SPL proteins contained conserved SBP domains and complex gene structures; half of the genes had introns longer than 10 kb. The largest number and variety of cis-acting elements associated with light reactions were enriched, accounting for about 45% of the total (444/985); 13/43 SPLs contain response elements of miRNA156. GO enrichment analysis showed that the functions of most SPLs were mainly enriched in the development of plant flower organs and stems. In addition, expression patterns and qRT-PCR analysis suggested the involvement of SPL genes in the regulation of flower organ development in orchids. There was little change in the expression of the CgoSPL in C. goeringii, but DchSPL9 and GelSPL2 showed significant expression during the flowering process of D. chrysotoxum and G. elata, respectively. In summary, this paper provides a reference for exploring the regulation of the SPL gene family in orchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]