| Summary: | In plants, ferritin proteins play an important role in iron (Fe) storage which contributes to plant growth and development. However, the biological functions of ferritins in fruit trees are essentially unknown. In this study, three <i>Ferritin</i> genes were isolated from ‘Zhentong No. 3’ peach, which were named <i>PpFer1-PpFer3</i>. The expression levels of these genes were different in distinct tissues/organs. Notably, <i>PpFer1</i> was the most abundantly expressed Ferritin family gene in all tested tissues of ‘Zhentong No. 3’ peach; its expression levels were significantly enhanced throughout the entire peach seedling under Fe toxicity and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> stress, particularly in the leaves. In addition, over-expression of <i>PpFer1</i> was effective in rescuing the retarded growth of <i>Arabidopsis fer1-2</i> knockout mutant, embodied in enhanced fresh weight, primary root length, lateral root numbers, total root length, total leaf chlorophyll, stomatal conductance (<i>G</i><sub>s</sub>), net photosynthetic rate (<i>P</i><sub>n</sub>), transpiration rate, and tissue Fe concentration. This study provides insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms of Fe storage and sequestration in perennial fruit trees.
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