The miR166a-MpATHB8 module regulates anthocyanin accumulation to increase rust resistance in Malus 'Profusion' leaves.
A miR166a-MpATHB8-MpMYB10b regulatory module that enhances rust resistance through anthocyanin metabolism in M. ‘Profusion’ provides novel insights into the miRNA-mediated regulation of anthocyanin metabolism and facilitate the breeding of rust-resistant and anthocyanin-enriched Malus cultivars.