Transcriptome profiling of apple (Malus domestica) cultivars Fuji and Golden Delicious in response to Colletotrichum fructicola infection

Glomerella leaf spot, caused by Colletotrichum fructicola, is a major fungal disease affecting apple production worldwide. Comparative transcriptome analysis provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying host defense responses to this pathogen.We generated transcriptome datasets from two commercially important apple (Malus domestica) cultivars, Fuji and Golden Delicious, following pathogen infection. Field-grown plants were used for experimental inoculation. Fully expanded leaves were inoculated with C. fructicola, and leaf samples were collected at 36 hours post-inoculation (hpi) for total RNA extraction. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) libraries were constructed and sequenced using high-throughput sequencing technology to obtain comprehensive gene expression profiles.This dataset provides important genomic resources for understanding the molecular basis of resistance and susceptibility to C. fructicola in apple. The data will facilitate future research on plant-pathogen interactions, functional genomics, and disease resistance breeding in Malus domestica.