Transcriptome profiles of eggplant (Solanum melongena) and S. dasyphyllum under osmotic stress

RNA sequencing was performed to profile the transcriptome of eggplant (Solanum melongena) and its wild relative S. dasyphyllum under two different levels of osmotic stress (20% and 30% PEG), at two times (0.5 h and 2 h after osmotic stress), and at two phenological stages (three and five fully developed leaves).The study investigated the differential response mechanisms of S. dasyphyllum and S. melongena to osmotic stress, suggesting S. dasyphyllum as a potential source of genes for breeding drought-resistant eggplant varieties. These findings have important implications for developing resilient eggplant varieties.