RNA sequencing of ABA-related genes as potential biomarkers of drought tolerance in sunflower: a greenhouse experiment

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) productivity is highly influenced by water availability, and drought stress remains a major limiting factor to yield stability and quality. This greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the transcriptomic response of sunflower plants to moderate drought stress over nine consecutive days, with a specific focus on ABA biosynthesis related genes. At the end of the stress period, leaf samples were collected from both drought-treated and well-watered control plants for RNA extraction and sequencing (RNA seq) analysis. The generated RNA seq dataset represents a valuable genomic resource that can aid in identifying candidate genes and potential molecular markers for breeding programs aimed at enhancing drought resilience.