Co-transcriptomic analysis of the maize-western corn rootworm interaction

We used a maize genotype, Mp708, that is resistant to a large guild of herbivore pests to study the underlying plant defense signaling network between below and aboveground tissues. We also evaluated WCR compensatory transcriptome responses. Using RNA-seq, we profiled the transcriptome of roots and leaves that interacted with WCR infestation up to 5 days post infestation (dpi). Our results suggest that several maize defense genes were induced in roots, whereas WCR defense genes were downregulated at 5 dpi. These findings indicate a dynamic transcriptomic dialog between WCR and WCR-infested maize plants.