Organ specific transcriptome analysis of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) in response to low phosphorus stress during early stage of growth

In order to systematically identify the critical genes involved in the response to low inorganic phosphorous (Pi) levels in cotton plants, we performed RNA sequencing analyses of root, stem, and leaf tissues from Gossypium hirsutum seedlings grown under both normal and low-Pi conditions. Subsequently, we validated the reliability of RNA sequencing data using quantitative real-time PCR analysis of 30 randomly selected genes. In total, 1679, 1611, and 841 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed in the roots, stems, and leaves, respectively. Some characteristic genes were analyzed and these findings provided a theoretical basis for studying the gene function of different cotton tissues in response to low Pi stress.