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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Citrus and Other Subtropical Products Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #419987
Research Project: Enhancing Vegetable and Ornamental Production by Synergistically Managing Nutrients and Pests

Location: Citrus and Other Subtropical Products Research

Title: Transcriptome analysis of Colletotrichum nymphaeae-Strawberry interaction reveals in planta expressed genes associated with virulence

Author
item OZBUDAK, EGEM - University Of Florida
item CARRILLO-TARAZONA, YISEL - University Of Florida
item A. DIAZ, EDINSON - University Of Florida
item TABAY ZAMBON, FLAVIA - University Of Florida
item ROSSI, LORENZO - University Of Florida
item PERES, NATALIA - University Of Florida
item RAFFAELE, SYLVAIN - University Of Toulouse
item M. CANO, LILIANA - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Frontiers in Plant Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/5/2024
Publication Date: 1/20/2025
Citation: Ozbudak, E., Carrillo-Tarazona, Y., A. Diaz, E., Tabay Zambon, F., Rossi, L., Peres, N., Raffaele, S., M. Cano, L. 2025. Transcriptome analysis of Colletotrichum nymphaeae-Strawberry interaction reveals in planta expressed genes associated with virulence. Frontiers in Plant Science. 15:1390926. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1390926.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1390926

Interpretive Summary: Strawberries are beloved fruits enjoyed by many, but they face a significant threat from a fungal disease called anthracnose fruit rot, caused by the pathogen Colletotrichum nymphaeae. This problem is not just a gardening issue; it impacts farmers and the economy due to reduced strawberry yields. In a recent study, researchers took a closer look at how this fungus interacts with strawberry plants by analyzing the genes it expresses during infection. They employed advanced technology to analyze the RNA of the fungus during its attack on both the leaves and fruits of a widely cultivated strawberry variety called Florida Beauty. The findings revealed important details about the fungus’s behavior, including specific proteins that help it invade the plant and overcome its defenses. One key accomplishment of this research was the identification of two novel Tannase enzymes produced by the fungus, which are believed to play a major role in the disease's development. These enzymes can break down tannins, natural compounds in strawberries that help protect them from pests and pathogens. By uncovering these mechanisms, this study contributes valuable insights that could lead to better management strategies for anthracnose disease. Understanding how the fungus operates not only aids in developing effective treatments but also helps protect strawberry crops, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.

Technical Abstract: Colletotrichum nymphaeae, the causal agent of anthracnose fruit rot, is recognized as the second most important pathogen of strawberries in the globe due to its economic impacts. Fungal pathogens deploy various sets of secreted proteins that have crucial roles in compatible interactions with the plant hosts, including acquiring host nutrients or suppressing host immunity. Therefore, transcriptomic studies are critical to determining the genes expressed explicitly during plant-pathogen interactions. In this study, we performed RNAseq profiling of Colletotrichum nymphaeae during infection in leaf and fruit tissues of the susceptible strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) cultivar Florida Beauty. The transcriptomic profiling of C. nymphaeae 02-179 during infection in strawberries, revealed genes encoding for secreted effector proteins such NUDIX hydrolase domain and LysM domain containing proteins. We also found upregulated genes encoding for Carbohydrate-Active enzymes (CAZymes) such Multicopper oxidase, Pectinesterase, Pectate Lyase, Glycosyl hydrolase family 7, and Endochitinase proteins. Among all up-regulated genes, we highlight a two novel Tannases with potential roles in the development of anthracnose disease, as the top upregulated genes in strawberry infected leaves and fruits samples. Fungal Tannase enzymes can potentially degrade tannins, plant secondary metabolites abundantly found in strawberries and well known for their protective roles against pests or pathogens in plants. Further functional analyses of this gene family can shed light on determining the disease mechanism and improve disease management strategies.