Transcriptomic Responses of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) to Heat and Drought Stresses

Abstract

Heat and drought are prominent abiotic stressors that limit crop productivity and yield, particularly concerning climate change; therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying plant stress responses is crucial for stress-tolerant crop production. This study conducted a transcriptomic analysis to elucidate how garlic (Allium sativum L.) responds to drought and heat stress conditions. Transcriptome libraries were generated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by drought and heat stresses. Functional classification and clustering analysis of DEGs revealed stress-specific gene expression patterns. Notably, cell wall-related genes were implicated in the drought response, whereas heat stress was associated with heat stress transcription factors and heat shock proteins. Our results provide essential information for future studies on stress tolerances in garlic.