Determination of expression levels of some drought-related genes in banana (Musa spp. L.)

Inadequate ecological and agricultural conditions in banana cultivation cause quantitative and qualitative losses. Minimizing losses is possible by developing varieties that are resistant to biotic and abiotic stress conditions. For this reason, it is important to know the molecular changes of the varieties that are to be used in breeding programs under stress conditions and the molecular responses that occur due to stress. In this thesis, the performances of Grand Naine and Azman banana genotypes, which are of great commercial importance, were investigated in vitro at different PEG concentrations (%0, 2, 4, 6). The expression levels of the drought-associated genes MaCDPK1, MaCDPK9, MaCDPK21 and MaCDPK40 were analyzed using the qRT-PCR technique. In the in vitro drought experiment, the Grand Naine genotype performed better than the Azman genotype. Plants with a 4% PEG concentration were most affected by drought. When root parameters were examined, the plants cultured at a 6% PEG concentration were most affected. While the MaCDPK1 gene was expressed higher in the Grand Naine genotype, the MaCDPK9, MaCDPK21 and MaCDPK40 genes were expressed higher in the Azman genotype. Expression levels of MaCDPK1 and MaCDPK40 genes were found to be high in leaf tissues but lower in roots. While the MaCDPK1, MaCDPK9 and MaCDPK21 genes were the highest in the control group, they were expressed at a concentration of at least 2% PEG.