RNA-seq based in vivo transcriptomes of Korean fir (Abies koreana) with enhanced drought tolerance by Aureobasidium pullulans AK10

The conservation of the endangered Korean fir, Abies koreana, is of critical ecological importance. In our previous study, a yeast-like fungus identified as Aureobasidium pullulans AK10, was isolated and shown to enhance drought tolerance in A. koreana seedlings. In this study, the effectiveness of A. pullulans AK10 treatment in enhancing drought tolerance in A. koreana was confirmed. Furthermore, using transcriptome analysis, we compared A. koreana seedlings treated with A. pullulans AK10 to untreated controls under drought conditions to elucidate the molecular responses involved in increased drought tolerance. Overall design: To induce drought stress tolerance, Korean fir seedlings were treated three times with AK10. Drought stress was simulated by withholding water. YPD broth containing 250 µg/ml Tween 20 was used as control. Three replicates were used for each group.