Oat ( Avena sativa L.) is an important forage crop increasingly threatened by barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), which severely reduces yield and quality. To elucidate the molecular basis of resistance, we integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of a resistant cultivar (MN10253) and a susceptible cultivar (Qingyin 1) after BYDV infection. The resistant cultivar showed fewer differentially expressed genes but stronger activation of defense-related pathways. Co-enrichment analysis revealed that phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, amino acid biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism were central to resistance. Key genes ( PAL , CCR , ILV , PLC ) and corresponding metabolites (trans-cinnamic acid, coumarin, propionylphenylalanine, and 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid) were markedly induced in MN10253. These results highlight coordinated gene–metabolite regulation that strengthens structural defenses, enhances antioxidant activity, and modulates lipid signaling. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of BYDV resistance in oat and identify potential targets for breeding virus-resistant cultivars. • Comparative multi-omics revealed distinct resistance strategies against BYDV in oat. • Phenylpropanoid, amino acid, and glycerophospholipid pathways were central to resistance. • Key genes (PAL, CCR, ILV, PLC) were strongly induced in the resistant cultivar. • Coordinated gene–metabolite regulation enhances structural defense and lipid signaling.
Mu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.