Global transcriptome analysis of heat stress response of grape variety 'Fantasy Seedless' under different irrigation regimens

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), a commercially important fruit crop worldwide, faces several challenging conditions during its growth cycle. Among many abiotic stresses, heat and moisture stresses have major impact on grapevine productivity and fruit quality. Transcriptome analysis of heat stress response of grape variety 'Fantasy Seedless' grown under different irrigation regimens identified large number of differentially expressed genes. Genes belonging to chaperone mediated protein folding and cell-wall modification pathways were found to play a significant role in plant response to heat as well as moisture stress. Subsurface irrigation helped minimize the adverse effects of stress through modulation of genes involved in cell homeostasis. The study has given critical insight into grapevine response to heat stress arising due to aberrant weather conditions.