Comparative transcriptome analysis of genes involved in the response of resistant and susceptible peach cultivars to water stress

Plant growth and productivity are adversely affected by water stress. Several genotypes of peach have evolved features that impart tolerance to water stress and other abiotic stresses. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two peach cultivars, one resistant and one susceptible, at 0, 6, 12, 18 days without watering (dww), using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. Transcriptome analysis indicated that plant response was vigorous at 12 dww, compared with other time points. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the DEGs at 12 dww demonstrated that they were involved in metabolic and catalytic processes. Selecting of genes with obvious differences between the two cultivars revealed 48 genes involves in hormone signal transduction were up-regulated only in the resistant cultivar. Detailed analysis of gene expression profiles indicated auxin and cytokinine might exert a vital influence on signal transduction during water stress in the resistant cultivar. These results form a basis for understanding the mechanism of water stress resistance in peach and other plants.