Transcriptome and metabolome insights into closely related upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) genotypes during differing responses to progressive soil drying

Key Points

• Differing responses to soil drying highlight distinct adaptations among cotton genotypes, influencing growth under drought conditions.
• Key findings include variations in metabolite profiles and gene expression levels that correlate with drought resilience.
• Analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic data across genotypes provides a comprehensive understanding of drought responses.
• This research underscores the necessity for future work to validate findings in field conditions, addressing possible genotypic variations.