Gene expression analysis of Colletotrichum nymphaeae during infection in Strawberry reveals candidate genes regulating the degradation of plant secondary metabolites

Colletotrichum nymphaeae, the causative agent of anthracnose crown and fruit rot, is recognized as the second most important pathogen of strawberries in the Globe due to its economic impacts. Fungal pathogens deploy various sets of secreted proteins that have crucial roles in compatible interactions with the plant hosts, including acquiring host nutrients or suppressing host immunity. In this study, we performed RNA-Seq profiling of Colletotrichum nymphaeae during infection in leaves or fruit tissues of the susceptible strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) cultivar Florida Beauty.