Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals infection strategies of Botrytis deweyae on Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua

Botrytis deweyae causes gray mold on Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, but its infection mechanism remains unknown. Microscopy (optical, SEM, and TEM) revealed that B. deweyae invades P. cyrtonema leaves either by direct penetration, characterized by the secretion of gelatinous substances and formation of infection cushions, or through stomatal invasion. Transcriptome analysis revealed that glyceride metabolism, oxidoreductase activity, and MAPK signal transduction facilitated the infection of P. cyrtonema leaves by B. deweyae . Glyceride metabolism was associated with lipid transport, lipid localization, sterol transport, and other material transport within the cell membrane. Host-derived high osmotic pressure triggered the MAPK signaling pathway in B. deweyae , leading to the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes for osmotic regulation. The significant enrichment of Hog1 (K04441) within the MAPK pathway indicates its potential role in modulating the osmotic stress response signaling pathway in B. deweyae . This study provides a theoretical framework for the pathogenesis of B. deweyae and aids in the development of targeted treatments for gray mold.