RNA Seq analysis of tolerant (BPT5204) and susceptible (TN1) variety of Oryza sativa cv. Indica under drought, pathogen, and combined stress

Climate change is affecting the unprecedented drought scenario and frequent occurrence of pathogen infection in rice. Simultaneous occurrence of these stresses could lead to more crop loss. Transcription response of genes involved in combined stress would provide relevant candidate gene to develop climate resilient rice. We report individual drought, Xoo infection and combined stress on rice. RNA Seq of contrasting genotypes BPT5204 and TN1 has revealed many candidate genes. A meta-analysis further filtered out some candidate genes which could be used for breeding programme. Several genes identified were already characterized by other groups for individual stress condition. However the genes involved in drought and pathogen infection could be further used for genetic manipulation studies in future. Samples from four categories: control, drought, pathogen, and drought + pathogen were analysed from both BPT5204 and TN1 variety. Each sample was run in duplicate. Total number of sample analysed is 16.