Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) production is often affected by droughts.
Furthermore, little is known about the molecular basis of drought stress
response of peanut. However, in previous studies, peanut stomata were found
to close rapidly during drought stress and in response to plant hormone
abscisic acid (ABA). Many genes also showed changes in their expressions.

To determine genes involved in drought stress response in peanut, gene
activity in the leaves, roots, and stems of peanut seedlings under water
deficit stress with or without abscisic acid pretreatment was analyzed.
Samples for the analysis were collected at three growth stages (four-leaf,
flowering, and podding stages). Six hundred twenty one (621) genes were
found to be induced rapidly under water deficit, 2,665 genes were induced
rapidly by water deficit+ABA pretreatment while 279 genes overlapped between
water deficit and water deficit+ABA pretreatment.

Results show that many genes are rapidly induced in peanut in response to
water deficit without or with ABA pretreatment. Results also indicate that
the main drought response mechanisms in peanut function through an abscisic
acid-dependent pathway.

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