Genome-wide analysis of the CCT gene family in Chinese white pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) and characterization of PbPRR2 in response to varying light signals.

Background: Canopy architecture is critical in determining the light environment and subsequently the photosynthetic productivity of fruit crops. Numerous CCT domain-containing genes are crucial for plant adaptive responses to diverse environmental cues. Two CCT genes, the orthologues of AtPRR5 in pear, have been reported to be strongly correlated with photosynthetic performance under distinct canopy microclimates.