De novo transcriptomic profiling of needle abscission/retention events in contrasting balsam fir (Abies balsamea L.) lines in response to postharvest dehydration stress

Postharvest needle abscission has always been a major concern, and is becoming an even bigger challenge in recent years presumably due to increased autumn temperatures and earlier harvesting practices. In this study, the transcriptome was constructed from six balsam fir lines having variability in needle retention or abscission after subjecting to postharvest dehydration stress. Developed dataset provides valuable information regarding the changes during needle abscission in response to dehydration stress and may promote identification and functional analysis of potential genes that could be used for improving needle retention in balsam fir.