Root interaction modulate transcription and metabolism of Panax notoginseng

Panax notoginseng is a valuable perennial plant with medicinal properties. However, during the growth phase, it is susceptible to infection and damage by various pathogens, such as Altemaria panax. In the present study, we investigated the effects of root system intercropping in Panax notoginseng plants for inducing resistance to A. panax and the mechanisms underlying its effects. Initially, we found that Panax notoginseng roots interactions efficiently enhanced the resistance of Panax notoginseng plants to A. panax compared to no roots interactions. Furthermore, RNA-Seq analysis revealed that roots interactions significantly modified the gene expression in Panax notoginseng plants, even in the absence of A. panax infection. Most of the altered genes were associated with Panax notoginseng plant immunity, involving different functional gene modules where transcription factors played a crucial role.