Transcriptional response of tea roots of different genotypes to potassium

Purpose: We investigated root foraging strategies for K of tea plants using a multi-layer split-root system by RNA-seq. Methods: One-year old tea cuttings were cultivated with the roots evenly planted on the two sides of the split root hydroponic box with a root canal. Three treatments were included to simulate the heterogeneous and homogeneous K environments. After 5d treatment, the roots on the two sides of the split root hydroponic box were collected separately and the RNA sequencing were analyzed by the Illumina Hiseq (2500, Illumina, San Diego, CA). Results: RNA-seq data had a linear relationship with qRT–PCR (r2=0.76), which confirmed the reliability of the RNA-seq data. Conclusions: Our study screened the key genes of tea root system to adapt to potassium heterogeneity. Transcriptomic changes in low-potassium intolerant and tolerant tea plant (Camellia sinensis) genotypes under potassium heterogeneity.