Stone cells and the conifer defense syndrome. Picea sitchensis

In this experiment, we evaluate differences in gene expression of a highly spruce weevil resistant and susceptible Sitka spruce genotype. We evaluate the constitutive differences between the R and S genotypes. Also, long-term induced responses of the R and S Sitka spruce genotypes to active weevil larvae feeding are evaluated. The impact of artificial wounding is explored, however, we see very little impact of wounding on gene expression following a prolonged window after the initial wound. The goal of the experiment was to evaluate differences in the transcriptomic responses of highly divergent spruce genotypes before and after insect attack.