Dual transcriptome profiling of apple (Malus domestica) in response to Alternaria alternata infection.
This study investigates the molecular interaction between apple (Malus domestica) and Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of Alternaria leaf blotch disease, using a dual RNA-sequencing approach. The study focuses on the interaction between A. alternata isolate (CD14) and the susceptible apple cultivar Red Delicious, with the objective of elucidating host defense mechanisms and pathogen virulence strategies during infection. Leaf samples were collected at two critical infection stages, 24 and 96 hours post-inoculation (hpi), to capture early and late transcriptional responses. Simultaneous profiling of host and pathogen gene expression enabled the identification of temporally regulated molecular events underlying disease progression.