Generation and Preliminary Characterization of a DsRed-MBD Microtubule Reporter Line in Ipomoea cordatotriloba

Sweetpotato yield depends strongly on storage root development, but live-cell analysis of cytoskeletal dynamics in Ipomoea is limited by the lack of suitable in vivo reporters. Here, we chose the diploid wild relative Ipomoea cordatotriloba (I. cordatotriloba) as a model and constructed a pMAS::DsRed-MBD recombinant vector for microtubule visualization. The pMAS::DsRed-MBD construct was first evaluated by transient co-expression with the microtubule marker StayGold-TUB6 in Nicotiana benthamiana, where the two signals showed overlapping filamentous patterns. Cut-dip-budding (CDB) transformation yielded one PCR-positive primary T0 plant (L1). In L1, confocal imaging visualized filamentous microtubule-like networks and real-time filamentous dynamics in roots, stems and leaves. PCR screening of five T1 progeny detected the transgene in four individuals, supporting germline transmission from the T0 plant. No significant differences were detected between WT and L1 in the measured vegetative traits under the tested conditions. This study generates a candidate microtubule reporter plant within the genus Ipomoea. It offers a prospective imaging resource in vivo for future investigations into potential cytoskeletal contributions to sweetpotato storage root development.