RNA-Seq and secondary metabolite analyses reveal a putative defence-transcriptome in Norway spruce (Picea abies) against needle bladder rust (Chrysomyxa rhododendri) infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Norway spruce trees in subalpine forests frequently face infections by the needle rust fungus Chrysomyxa rhododendri, which causes significant growth decline and increased mortality of young trees. Yet, it is unknown whether trees actively respond to fungal attack by activating molecular defence responses and/or respective gene expression.

Results

Here, we report results from an infection experiment, in which the transcriptomes (via RNA-Seq analysis) and phenolic profiles (via UHPLC-MS) of control and infected trees were compared over a period of 39 days. Gene expression between infected and uninfected ramets significantly differed after 21 days of infection and revealed already known, but also novel candidate genes involved in spruce molecular defence against pat

SUBMITTER: Trujillo-Moya C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7195740 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature