Comparative transcriptome analysis of banana (Musa acuminata L. AAA group, cv. Cavendish) leaves and roots in response to low-potassium stress

Potassium (K+) is a crucial macronutrient in high biomass plants, especially in banana.we comparatively studyed the phenotypic traits and transcriptomic profiles of banana leaves and roots between low potassium group (LK) and normal-potassium group (NK). In our study, the K+ content and biomass index of banana seedling were all significantly decreased under the stress of low potassium group. Moreover, thirty differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to potassium transport and uptake and transcription factors were analyzed deeply. DEGs about ABC transporters, protein kinases and ion transporters were also detected, these genes may play important roles during potassium deficiency. These results provide valuable information about banana response to low potassium conditions. Overall design: RNA-Seq (Quantification) of 60-day treated low potassium group (LK) and normal-potassium group (NK) banana seedlings were generated by deep sequencing, using Illumina HiSeqTM 2000.