Elaeis guineensis Transcriptome_Drought and Salinity Stresses

In order to gain insights into the response of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plants to different abiotic stresses (drought and salinity), we completed two distinct RNA-seq studies. In the first study, nine oil palm individuals (clones obtained from somatic embryogenic calli previously obtained from young leaves from an adult plant) were used. Leaves for Total RNA extraction were collected from: a) three plants under no salinity stress (Control); b) three plants under salinity stress for five days (5 DASI - Days After Stress Initiation); and c) three plants under salinity stress for twelve days (12 DASI). A total of 2.0 grams of NaCl per 100 grams of soil were used to stress the plants.In the second study, nine oil palm individuals (also clones obtained from somatic embryogenic calli) were used. Leaves for Total RNA extraction were collected from: a) three plants under no drought stress (Control); b) three plants under drought stress for seven days (7 DASI); and c) three plants under drought stress for fourteen days (14 DASI). Control plants were maintained in the soil at field capacity, while drought-stressed plants (which were also in the soil at field capacity at day zero) had watering completely suspended for the duration of the experiment (20 days).