DE NOVO TRANSCRIPTOME ASSEMBLY AND GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS IN RESPONSE TO DROUGHT STRESS IN NARCISSUS PSEUDONARCISSUS

Narcissus pseudonarcissus is a genus of predominantly spring perennial plants of the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), which is native to meadows and woods but can also be cultivated in farms, gardens or pots. Apart from the modern perfume industry, which uses aroma compounds in Narcissus pseudonarcissus, it is also considered for its medicinal properties. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to present an original insight into Narcissus pseudonarcissus leaves transcriptome in response to drought stress, and (b) to provide novel genetic resources for related researches in this species. The study utilized RNA-Seq from the leaves of the plant to provide the first drought stress-related transcriptome of Narcissus pseudonarcissus. De novo transcriptome assembling and control group analysis revealed an average of 691.88 contigs and total 186897839 assembled bases. Only five drought-related genes in the suspension control sample, of which two genes were nominated, provided us with an example and as a control and host treatment. Candidate genes (MYB, AP2) showed increased expression with increasing severity of dehydration. This study picks up interesting ideas about Narcissus pseudonarcissus transcriptome when exposed to drought stress and provides a new genetic resource for related researches in this species. Received: January 4, 2020 Accepted: February 10, 2020