Identification of the KNOX Gene Family in Revealing Its Response Characteristics to Salt Stress.

is a herbaceous plant that possesses significant medicinal value. Land salinization affects the growth of , resulting in a decline in its quality and yield. Knotted1-like homeobox (KNOX) genes are transcription factors that play important roles in plant growth and abiotic stress. The characteristics and functions of KNOX genes in remain unclear. Here, we identified ten KNOX genes in , all of which possess the characteristic four domains: KNOX1, KNOX2, ELK, and HD. These s were divided into two groups together with homologous genes. Cis-acting element analysis indicated all s contained elements associated with phytohormone, light, and stress response. The s show tissue-specific expression among roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. We assessed the response of the s to salt stress using quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Notably, 4 expression significantly decreased within 24 h of salt exposure, while 1, 2, SmKNOX3, 8, and 9 showed significant increases. The expression of 1, 2, and 3 was significantly positively correlated with that of their target genes, 1 and S11 . These findings suggest that s and their target genes respond to salt stress, providing a foundation for studies of s and the potential genetic improvement of .