Transcriptomic response to late blight in three potato varieties

Developing potato varieties with more durable resistance against late blight is a key goal in global potato breeding. In this study, Illumina RNA-sequencing was performed to enable comparative transcriptomic analysis of leaf gene expression in two resistant Sarpo varieties and one susceptible variety (Duke of York) both before and in response to infection with Phytophthora infestans. The objective was to identify key genes and molecular pathways associated with resistance to late blight to help inform the breeding of new Solanum tuberosum cultivars with improved disease resistance.