Transcriptome profiling of Fraxinus excelsior genotypes infested by emerald ash borer

European ash, Fraxinus excelsior is facing the double threat of ongoing devastation by the invasive fungal pathogen, Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and the imminent arrival of the non-native emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis. The spread of EAB which is currently moving westwards from European Russia and Ukraine into central Europe, poses an additional substantial threat to European ash, F. excelsior. While the molecular basis for resistance or variation in resistance among European ash genotypes is heavily investigated, comparatively little is known about the molecular ash traits involved in resistance against EAB. In this study we have gathered transcriptomic data from EAB inoculated genotypes of F. excelsior that have previously shown different levels of susceptibility to EAB. Resultant datasets show differential gene expression in susceptible and resistant genotypes in response to EAB infestation. This data will provide important information on the molecular basis of resistance to the EAB and allow the development of management plans to combat a pending threat of a culturally and ecologically important European tree species.

Automated summary

European ash is facing threats from both the invasive fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and the non-native emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis. This study investigates the molecular traits of European ash that contribute to resistance against the emerald ash borer. Transcriptomic data from different genotypes of European ash show differential gene expression in response to emerald ash borer infestation. This information will help in developing management plans to protect this culturally and ecologically important tree species.