Data from: Global transcriptome changes in perennial ryegrass during early infection by pink snow mould

Lack of resistance to pink snow mould (Microdochium nivale) is a major
constraint for adaptation of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) to
continental regions with long-lasting snow cover at higher latitudes.
Almost all investigations of genetic variation in resistance have been
performed using cold acclimated plants. However, there may be variation in
resistance mechanisms that are functioning independently of cold
acclimation. In this study our aim was to identify candidate genes
involved in such resistance mechanisms. We first characterized variation
in resistance to M. nivale among non-acclimated genotypes from the
Norwegian cultivar ‘Fagerlin’ based on relative regrowth and fungal
quantification by real-time qPCR. One resistant and one susceptible
genotype were selected for transcriptome analysis using paired-end
sequencing by Illumina Hiseq 2000. Transcriptome profiles, GO enrichment
and KEGG pathway analysis indicate that defense response related genes are
differentially expressed between the resistant and the susceptible
genotype. A significant up-regulation of defense related genes, as well as
genes involved in cell wall cellulose metabolic processes and aryl-alcohol
dehydrogenase (NADP+) activity, was observed in the resistant genotype.
The candidate genes identified in this study might be potential molecular
marker resources for breeding perennial ryegrass cultivars with improved
resistance to pink snow mould.