The relationship between intra-specific variation in the Populus transcriptome, stomatal development, and the metabolome in response to drought

Drought is one of the most significant factors limiting tree growth. Trees in the genus Populus are particularly noted for their drought sensitivity; therefore, understanding the mechanisms by which these economically and ecologically important forest trees respond to drought is of paramount importance. The ability of Populus trees to contend with drought is dependent on the responsiveness of the genome, and in turn, the ability of the transcriptome to appropriately remodel growth, metabolism and development. Amassing evidence indicates that different species of Populus have divergent mechanisms and adaptations to contend with drought stress; however, individuals within a given species also display divergent drought responses. In order to investigate the intra-specific variation underpinning the drought response, we examined six genotypes of P. balsamifera. Using Affymetrix Poplar GeneChips, we found a positive correlation between the magnitude of drought-induced changes in the transcriptome and the capacity of the genotype to maintain growth. Surprisingly identifiable differences at the transcriptome were observed, and similar responses were observed within the metabolome. Although common drought responses could be identified within the species, the complexities of these responses must be taken into consideration when defining species- or genus-level drought responses.