Application of Transcriptomics for Trait Mapping in Pearl Millet

The transcript pool of a plant component is the assembly of mRNAs that prepare the plant for its metabolic responses against stimuli in any given situation. Over time, transcriptome research has progressed from Northern blotting to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and other techniques, the most noteworthy of which are real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microarray. Pearl millet is one of the major millet crops which is generally tolerant to adverse climate-induced constraints. However, a large variety of pearl millet germplasm is widely available and offers promising genetic resources for improving resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors. Continuous efforts to develop techniques for assessing abiotic and biotic stress would help us better understand pearl millet molecular responses. Different transcriptome analysis studies on pearl millet revealed changed expression of target genes/downstream genes. Fortunately, the transcriptome analysis data has been made publicly available for extensive use and evaluation. The chapter summarizes various types of transcriptome data obtained in pearl millet including abiotic stress, biotic stress, different plant growth stages, and comparative transcriptomics, with a focus on microarray and RNA-seq and the impact of changed gene expression. These findings could aid in the identification of gene regulatory networks for potential use in the improvement of pearl millet and other related crop plants.