Cicer arietinum abscisic acid receptor PYL1 and glycine-rich RNA-binding, abscisic acid-inducible protein-like differential expression under induced draught conditions

¹ Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Odesa, Ukraine, 24 Maiakska doroha str., Khlibodarske, Odesa Region, 67667, Ukraine
² Western Caspian University, Baku, AZ1001, Azerbaijan
³ Samarkand State Medical University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

^* Corresponding author: geoncrfqg@gmail.com

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a key legume crop with significant economic and nutritional importance, often cultivated in drought- prone regions. The development of drought-tolerant varieties is crucial for maintaining food security amidst the challenges posed by climate change. This study focuses on the differential expression of two key drought- responsive genes: abscisic acid receptor PYL1 and glycine-rich RNA- binding abscisic acid-inducible protein-like in two chickpea genotypes, Desi PI598080 (non-drought-tolerant) and Kabuli Flip07 318C (drought- tolerant), under both control and simulated drought stress conditions. Results showed a significant interaction between genotype and condition for abscisic acid receptor PYL1, where expression increased in the drought-tolerant genotype under stress and decreased in the non-tolerant genotype. This suggests the gene's potential role in conferring drought tolerance, making it a promising target for future molecular breeding efforts. On the other hand, no significant differences in glycine-rich RNA-binding abscisic acid- inducible protein-like gene expression were detected between genotypes or conditions, indicating its limited role in drought response. These results highlight the importance of the abscisic acid receptor PYL1 in adaptation to drought stress and provide insight into the molecular response of chickpea to drought, laying the foundation for further genetic improvement of drought tolerance in this crop.