Leaf transcriptome profiling of contrasting sugarcane genotypes for drought tolerance under field conditions

Transcriptional profiling of sugarcane leaf (+1) was collected from drought-prone areas at 42 and 117 days after the last rainfall when plants were 6- and 9-month-old, respectively. Sample hybridization (non-irrigated treatment against irrigated control) was performed to monitor gene expression in a two-color Agilent custom microarray. Our goal was to investigate the effect of mild and severe water stress on the transcriptomes of drought-sensitive (IACSP97-7065) and -tolerant (IACSP94-2094) sugarcane genotypes. Two-condition experiment: irrigated (control) vs. non-irrigated at 42nd day after the last rainfall (mild water stress), irrigated (control) vs non-irrigated at 117th day after the last rainfall (severe water stress).