Transcript analysis of differentially expressed genes in minor millets under water stress

Drought stress is one of the abiotic stresses which may alter plant growth, metabolism and yield. Millets are resilient to extreme environmental conditions especially to inadequate moisture and are rich in nutrients. The aim of this research was to analyze the expression of some key genes in minor millets under drought stress by using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Expression profiling of seven drought responsive genes revealed that the transcripts showed a differential expression pattern in minor millets under water stress treatment when compared to their control counterparts. Expression of genes was up regulated by water stress treatment, suggesting that they may involve in the drought tolerance response of the crop. Further efforts in validation of identified genes can be used as candidate genes for development of water stress tolerant transgenic in other related crops.