Transcriptomic Insights into Brown Spot Disease Response in Rice Lines with Differential Resistance

In this study, a mapping population was developed by crossing two rice lines, BALA and NIL7, both of which exhibit moderate resistance to brown spot disease. Subsequent generations of this population displayed a wide range of phenotypic responses to the disease, with some lines showing high susceptibility, others moderate resistance, and a few exhibiting strong tolerance.To uncover the molecular basis underlying these varied responses, transcriptome sequencing was performed on representative lines from each resistance category: susceptible, moderately resistant, and tolerant. The objective was to identify key genes, pathways, and gene-to-gene interactions associated with brown spot tolerance. This comprehensive transcriptomic analysis aims to provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms of disease resistance and to support future breeding strategies for developing brown spot-tolerant rice varieties.