Genome-wide identification of AcPP2C gene family and functional characterization of AcPP2C40 in response to heat stress in kiwifruit

), coupled with significantly enhanced activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Conversely, plants with transient overexpression of AcPP2C40 displayed increased sensitivity to heat stress, suffering more severe damage to their photosynthetic system. These results indicate that AcPP2C40 negatively regulates kiwifruit's response to heat stress. This study provides important clues for deciphering the biological functions of the PP2C gene family in kiwifruit and provides a theoretical foundation for the molecular breeding of heat-tolerant kiwifruit cultivars.