Reference based transcriptome assembly of Piper nigrum L. reveals novel genes and transcripts in drought tolerance

Validation of key DEGs such as catalase, defensin, <i>RUBISCO</i>, <i>MYB101</i>, <i>SGNH</i>, <i>GIB67</i> and <i>ZAT10</i> through RT-qPCR confirmed the transcriptome data and the higher expression in drought tolerant accessions, indicated their involvement in imparting tolerance to drought. The findings also provided valuable insights regarding correlation of molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying drought tolerance in black pepper thereby laying the groundwork for developing high-yielding, drought-tolerant black pepper cultivars.