Comparative Transcriptome and Volatile Metabolome Analysis of Gossypium hirsutum Resistance to Verticillium Wilt

In recent years, changes in climate conditions and long-term continuous cropping have led to the increased occurrence of Verticillium wilt in various cotton-growing regions, causing significant economic losses in cotton production. Research has shown that volatile substances are closely linked to plant disease resistance; however, studies on their roles in the response of cotton to Verticillium wilt, including their relationship with gene regulation, are limited.

In this study, the transcriptomes and metabolomes of Xinluzao 57 (a highly susceptible Verticillium wilt variety) and 192,868 (a highly resistant Verticillium wilt variety) were sequenced at different time points after inoculation with Verticillium wilt.

A total of 21,911 commonly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified within and between the materials, and they were clustered into eight groups. Significant annotations were made in pathways related to amino acids and anthocyanins. Metabolomics identified and annotated 26,200 volatile metabolites across nine categories. A total of 158 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were found within and between the materials; three clusters were identified, and the 10 metabolites with the most significant fold changes were highlighted. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that 13 genes were significantly correlated with guanosine, 6 genes were correlated with 2-deoxyerythritol, and 32 genes were correlated with raffinose.

Our results provide a foundation for understanding the role of volatile substances in the response of cotton to Verticillium wilt and offer new gene resources for future research on Verticillium wilt resistance.