Gene expression during compatible and incompatible interactions of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) during Orobanche foetida parasitism

Orobanche foetida Poiret is the main constraint facing faba bean crop in Tunisia. Indeed, in heavily infested fields with this parasitic plant, yield losses may reach 90%, and the recent estimation of the infested area is around 80,000 ha. Identifying genes involved in the V. faba-O. foetida interaction is crucial for the development of effective faba bean breeding programs. However, there is currently no available information on the transcriptome of faba bean responding to O. foetida parasitism. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the global gene expression changes that occur during compatible and incompatible V. faba-O. foetida interaction, using RNA sequencing. Indeed, our analyses encompassed differential gene expression and GO ontology analysis. Additionally, we explored the gene expression of WRKY genes involved in response to biotic stress. Moreover, we focused on studying genes involved in the orobanchol biosynthesis pathway. Our results reveal key differences between susceptible and resistant hosts to O. foetida parasitism at gene expression level.