Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Molecular Responses in Two Contrasting Hazelnut Varieties against Botrytis cinerea Infection

Abstract

Botrytis cinerea, a pathogenic fungus that causes necrosis in plants, is one of the most destructive pathogens of hazelnuts. This fungus is responsible for causing Husk Brown Rot, a significant threat to hazelnut production. The plant’s defense mechanism against this pathogen, as well as other pathogens, is a complex biological process that involves changes at molecular, biochemical, and physiological levels. To better understand the molecular responses of hazelnut plants to B. cinerea infection, we conducted a comparative transcriptome profiling study between a B. cinerea-resistant Ping’ou hybrid hazelnut variety (Dawei; DW) and a susceptible variety (Qiuxiang; QX). Our study focused on the transcriptome profiles of DW and QX plants after three days of B. cinerea infection. The results of our study showed moderate changes in the defense strategies of both DW and QX plants in response to B. cinerea infection. Specifically, we observed that the expression of 14 disease-resistant genes was significantly different between DW and QX. Our comparative analysis revealed that DW had a higher number and expression of immunity-related differentially expressed genes compared to QX, which indicates that these genes play a crucial role in inducing innate resistance in DW plants against B. cinerea infection. This study highlights that plant resistance to pathogens like B. cinerea is a complex process that is controlled by multiple genes and biological pathways, each playing a specific role. Our findings provide new insights into the development of hazelnut varieties that are resistant to B. cinerea infection. By using the candidate genes identified in this study, it may be possible to enhance the resistance of hazelnut plants to B. cinerea and reduce the impact of Husk Brown Rot on hazelnut production.