Deciphering genome-wide transcriptomic changes in grapevines heavily infested by spotted lanternflies.

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Entomology
• Genomics

Background:

• The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect causing significant damage to the grapevine industry in the U.S.
• Late-season SLF feeding effects on grapevine health and host responses remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a genome-wide transcriptome analysis of grapevines infested by SLF.
• To compare grapevine responses to SLF with responses to other phloem feeders.
• To identify molecular pathways involved in grapevine defense and physiological functions.

Main Methods:

• Genome-wide transcriptome analysis of grapevines under heavy SLF infestation.
• Comparative analysis with transcriptomes from grapevines with varying susceptibility to pests.

Main Results:

• SLF infestation activates signal transduction cascades, primarily mediated by protein kinase genes.
• Induced expression of transcription factors, phytohormones, secondary metabolites, and defense-related genes.
• Activation of genes involved in cell wall strengthening and detoxification.

Conclusions:

• Grapevine molecular responses to SLF involve complex signaling, defense, and structural reinforcement pathways.
• Understanding these pathways can help develop strategies to improve grapevine susceptibility to SLF.
• This research provides insights into the regulatory network governing SLF-grapevine interactions.