Oil palm leaf transcriptomes in response to flooding stress
Flooding imposes a complex combination of abiotic stresses, including hypoxia and osmotic imbalance. As a perennial crop, oil palm is likely subjected to these conditions throughout its lifespan. This study investigates a trial in Terengganu, Malaysia, which experienced recurrent temporary flooding during the first three years of establishment. Over a 14-year observation period, these palms exhibited a decline in both yield and survivability. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the response to natural flooding, a transcriptomic analysis was conducted. Leaf tissues were sampled for 3' mRNA-sequencing from five distinct progenies under both control (normal weather, "non-flooded") and following a flooding event. Flooded palms were categorized into "low-flooded" and "high-flooded" groups based on the flood depth recorded across the uneven terrain of the trial site.