Multilayered defense responses in sugarcane against <i>Pratylenchus zeae</i> revealed by comparative transcriptomics.

ABSTRACT: The root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus zeae ranks among the most pervasive soilborne threats to global sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) production; however, the molecular basis of host resistance to this pathogen remains largely unexplored. Using comparative transcriptomics 15 days after inoculation, we profiled root response patterns of a resistant cultivar (RB966928) and a susceptible cultivar (CTC9001). Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified 3,385 DEGs (1,426 up, 1,959 down) in the susceptible CTC9001 and 8,689 DEGs (5,334 up, 3,355 down) in the resistant RB966928 when comparing control and inoculated plants, revealing distinct genotype-specific defense strategies. The resistant genotype mounted a coordinated, multilayered defense marked by dramatic transcri

SUBMITTER: Confort PMS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12675385 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature