Analysis of long non-coding RNAs and mRNAs in harvested kiwifruit in response to the yeast antagonist, Wickerhamomyces anomalus

Biological control utilizing antagonistic yeasts is an effective method for controlling postharvest diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be involved in a variety of plant growth and development processes, including those associated with plant disease resistance. In the present study, the yeast antagonist, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, was found to strongly inhibit postharvest blue mold (Penicillium expansum) and gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) decay of kiwifruit. Additionally, lncRNA highthroughput sequencing and bioinformatic analysis was used to identify lncRNAs in W. anomalustreated wounds in kiwifruit and predict their function based on putative target genes. Our results indicate that lncRNAs may be involved in increasing ethylene (ET), jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), and auxin (IAA) levels, as well as activating signal transduction pathways that regulate the expression of several transcription factors (WRKY72, WRKY53 , JUB1AP2). These transcription factors (TFs) then mediate the expression of downstream, defense-related genes (ZAR1, PAD4, CCR4, NPR4) and the synthesis of secondary metabolites, thus, potentially enhancing disease resistance. Notably, by stimulating the accumulation of antifungal compounds, such as phenols and lignin, disease resistance in kiwifruit was enhanced. Our study provides new information on the mechanism underlying the induction of disease resistance in kiwifruit by W. anomalus, as well as a new disease resistance strategy that can be used to enhance the defense response of fruit to pathogenic fungi. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Research Network of Computational and Structural Biotechnology.

Automated summary

Utilizing the yeast antagonist Wickerhamomyces anomalus enhances disease resistance in kiwifruit by activating various plant hormones and regulating the expression of transcription factors and defense-related genes. This approach potentially enhances fruit defense response to pathogenic fungi, providing new insights into the induction of disease resistance in kiwifruit.