cDNA- AFLP analysis of the response of tetraploid black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) to salt stress

Abstract

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that limits plant growth. In this study, to understand the tolerance mechanism associated with salinity stress in tetraploid black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), 2-yearold plants were treated by salinity. cDNA amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to study the gene expression of tetraploid black locust in response to 5, 10 and 15 days after salinity stress (300 mM NaCl) treatment. One hundred and ten (110) transcript derived fragments (TDFs) with up-regulation expression in leaves of tetraploid black locust in response to salinity stress were characterized and classified into seven groups. The putative functions of these TDFs were related to energy metabolism, material metabolism, signal transduction, transcription factor, stress and defense-related proteins and transport facilitation. The expression patterns of six genes having direct or indirect relation with salt stress response were analyzed through qRT-PCR. The possible roles of these genes are discussed. These data may enhance the understanding of the salinity tolerance mechanisms in polyploid plants.

Keywords: cDNA-AFLP, salt stress, gene expression, qRT-PCR; tetraploid black locust.