Transcriptome analysis of maize resistance to <i>Fusarium verticillioides</i>

Maize (<i>Zea mays</i>) is a crucial crop for both food and economic purposes. <i>Fusarium verticillioides</i> is known to cause ear rot in corn, leading to a reduction in corn yield. Understanding the regulatory network of maize resistance to this ear rot is crucial for identifying key genes associated with disease resistance. The study revealed that inbred line J1259 exhibited resistance to <i>Fusarium verticillioides</i> by increasing the activities of POD and CAT enzymes. Transcriptome analysis at 48 and 96 hours post-infection with <i>Fusarium verticillioides</i> revealed a large number of DEGs involved in plant-pathogen interactions, MAPK signaling pathways-plants and plant hormone signaling were significant up-regulated. Additionally, transcription factors related to hormone signaling, particularly the ARF family involved in auxin regulation, were enriched. These results lay a foundation for further investigations into the mechanisms underlying the disease resistance response of J1259.