Genome-wide identification of PbrbHLH family genes, and expression analysis in response to drought and cold stresses in pear (Pyrus bretschneideri)

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors play important roles in many processes in plant growth, metabolism and responses to abiotic stresses. Although, the sequence of Chinese white pear genome (cv. ‘Dangshansuli’) has already been reported, there is still a lack of clarity regarding the bHLH family genes and their evolutionary history.