Differential transcription in tolerant and susceptible clone of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) following Ralstonia solanacearum infection

Wilting caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, a pathogen is one of the major diseases responsible for the reduction in tomato yield. Next-generation sequencing based transcriptomic study of two tomato inbred lines (Vellayani Vijay(V) tolerant to Bacterial Wilt (BW); and Pusa Ruby(P), susceptible to BW) were used to explore the molecular mechanism of tomato in response to Ralstonia solanacearum infection. Transcriptomic response of clones showing differential response to Ralstonia solanacearum infection at early hours, mid hours and late hours of infection were studied. The newly identified differentially regulated genes and sequence variation provide critical knowledge for understanding the genetic basis of disease tolerance and for marker development.Overall design: RNA isolated from the leaves collected at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24 h following infection were pooled to understand early induced transcripts in both clones. RNA isolated from 36 and 72 h after infection were considered as mid induced and late induced transcripts following infection. RNA isolated from leaves subjected to mock inoculation was taken as control. A total of eight RNA banks were prepared for both clones.