Abscisic acid and ethylene in the control of nodule-specific response on drought in yellow lupine

•Drought stress decreased water content directly in nodules and caused degradation of symbiosome.•Hormonal changes evoked by water deficit are reflected by the affection of ET and ABA biosynthesis pathway.•The stress factor negatively regulated the expression of LlBOP and LlLbl genes responsible for the proper functioning of the nodules.•We provide several potential molecular and hormonal markers related to the response on soil drought.