Nitrogen (N) is a major element and fundamental constituent of grain
yield. N fertilizer plays an essential role in the roots, shoots, and
leaves of crop plants. Here, we obtained two N-sensitive potato cultivars.

The plants were cultivated in the pots using N-deficient and
N-sufficient conditions. Crop height, leaf chlorophyll content, dry
matter, and N-accumulation significantly decreased under N-deficient
conditions. Furthermore, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the
phenotype and transcriptome, GO terms, and KEGG pathways. We used WGCNA
of co-expressed genes, and 116 differentially expressed hub genes
involved in photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and secondary
metabolites to generate 23 modules. Among those modules, six/NRT/gene
families, four pigment genes, two auxin-related genes, and two
energy-related genes were selected for qRT-PCR validation.

Overall, our study demonstrates the co-expressed genes and potential
pathways associated with N transport and accumulation in potato
cultivarsâ?? roots, shoots, and leaves under N-deficient conditions.
Therefore, this study provides new ideas to conduct further research on
improving nitrogen use efficiency in potatoes.


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