Transcriptome analysis of maize (Zea mays L.) under drought stress inoculated with Pseudomonas putida stain FBKV2

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer several benefits to host plants such as plant growth and development, elimination of deleterious pathogens and tolerance to abiotic stresses, including drought stress. Root colonization by PGPR alters the plant gene expressions, which result in enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses. Here we aim to study the effects of the association between the Pseudomonas putida strain FBKV2 and maize (Zea mays L. var DHM117) during water depletion by characterizing differential transcriptome profiles of maize leaf. The present study helps in understanding the mechanisms of drought tolerance during plant interaction with PGPR and could provide tools to maximize the benefits of PGPR for crop production.