Drought stress effect on agricultural traits and expression of DREB2A and ZFP252 genes in rice

Rice (Oryza sativa) is very sensitive to drought stress because of its limited adaptation to water-deficit conditions. Drought stress alters morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses in plant. In this study, the effects of drought stress on morphological traits and expression of transcription factor genes DREB2A and ZFP252 at vegetative and reproductive stages were investigated in TH1 line (drought sensitive) and Neda (drought tolerant). Drought stress was induced by stopping irrigation at tillering and heading stages. Investigation of morphological traits showed tiller and panicle numbers as production indices were significantly higher in Neda cultivar than TH1 line. Real Time PCR Neda genotype showed a significant increase (3.217 expression ratio) in expression of transcript level of ZFP252 at vegetative stage under drought stress. This indicates the importance of this drought stress responsive gene in acquisition of drought tolerance in this genotype at this stage. Investigation of expression level changes in TH1 line showed significant increase in DREB2A and ZFP252 genes expression under drought stress at the vegetative stage. Gene expression analysis in this study suggesting that tolerant and sensitive plants may be using genetic regulations and different mechanisms to be exposed to stress conditions. Deciphering of these molecular mechanisms will aid to better understand stress tolerance and to select strategies for improving crop productivity facing climate change.