Transcriptome analysis of maize Gibberella stalk rot

Gibberella stalk rot (GSR) caused by Fusarium graminearum is one of the most devastating diseases causing significant yield loss of maize, and GSR resistance is a quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes. Although a few QTLs/resistance genes have been identified, the molecular mechanisms underlying GSR resistance remain largely unexplored. To identify potential resistance genes and to better understand the molecular mechanism of GSR resistance, a transcriptomic was conducted using two inbred lines with contrast GSR resistance, K09 (resistant) and A08 (susceptible) upon infection with F. graminearum. While substantial number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with various defense-related signaling pathways were identified between two lines, multiple hub genes likely associated with GSR resistance were pinpointed using Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA). ZmHIR3 showed strong correlation with multiple key genes. The RNA-seq analysis using A08 and K09 at different time points (6h,12h,24h,48h and 72h) after infection with F. graminearum.