Superabsorbent Polymer Seed Coatings: Transcriptomic and Physiological Impacts on Drought-Stressed Maize

This project investigates the potential of Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) as seed coatings to enhance drought resilience in <b>maize</b> (Zea mays L.), a crucial cereal crop vulnerable to water deficit. By applying three different types of SAPs—two fossil-based (MERCK, SWT) and one natural-based (ABG)—we assessed their impact on seed germination and seedling establishment under both well-watered and drought conditions and investigated their transcriptomic profiles.The data provided here include raw gene counts from featureCounts and the experimental design for the study.<br>Quality control of reads was conducted using fastp, and alignment was performed using the <b>Zea mays</b> reference genome with STAR, employing default parameters.