RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analysis of kiwifruit infected by Botrytis cinerea

Abstract An RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) approach was employed to determine the induced responses of mature kiwifruits infected with Botrytis cinerea, the second most important phytopathogen in commercial crops. In total, we identified 2795 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across a broad and time-dependent transcriptional reprogramming during infection. Suppression of photosynthesis-related pathways occurred within 12 h after infection (HAI), whereas DEGs involved in particular cell wall modification processes may have facilitated early pathogen colonization. A shift towards defense responses was triggered in delay and not earlier than 24 HAI. The majority of DEGs were up-regulated mainly at 48 HAI and were predominately involved in the induction of pathogen recognition and signaling transduction cascades, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, activation of pathogenesis-related proteins, transcription factors, and various sorts of transporters. Additionally, a set of B, cinerea genes that are linked to pathogen growth or manipulation of specific plant defense responses were also detected. Overall, our data provide novel insights into the compatible kiwifruit-B. cinerea interaction.