Global transcriptome of Southern root-knot nematode resistant and susceptible Upland cotton genotypes

The Southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) poses a substantial threat to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) by causing significant agricultural losses. Host plant resistance is the most plausible approach to minimize crop losses due to root-knot nematode. Previous QTL and early transcriptomic studies have identified candidate genes on QTL regions mapped to chromosome 11 (qMi-C11) and chromosome 14 (qMi-C14). Although these two QTL regions were fine mapped and candidate genes identified, expression profiling of Meloidogyne-Gossypium interactions at different stages of infection would assist in further narrowing the list of candidate genes in the QTL regions. Here we sequenced 44 transcriptome libraries from a nematode susceptible (Coker 201) and a resistant (M-120 RNR) cotton genotypes at six different days post infection to advance the inquiry into the molecular basis of resistance conferred by the qMi-C11 and qMi-C14 against Southern root-knot nematode.