Insect Resistance in Quercus robur: A Comparative Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Normal and Curly Leaf Varieties

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c00709
• Publication Date: 2025-04-04T11:37:05Z
• Authors: Ke-Yu Liao; Rui-Quan Wang; Hao Li; Jia-Hui Liu; Si-Lai Chen; Shu-Ying Wei; Jiu-Jiu Zhao; Peng Yang; Xin Deng; Yuan-Kang Wang; Yuan-Yuan Shen; Han-Bo Yang; Xiong Huang; Zhen-Feng Xu; Xiao-Hong Chen; Fang He
• Keywords: Quercus robur

Quercus robur is a tree species that produces acorns with rich nutritional value. Its leaf rolling crucial for adapting to stress, but this trait's impact on plant-insect interactions remains unknown. We compared the resistance phenotypes, metabolomic profiles, and transcriptomic data of curly (Qr-T) normal-leaf (Qr-S) varieties Q. robur. Findings revealed Qr-T exhibited higher area consumption under herbivory. Metabolomic analysis found lower levels key defensive compounds like Questiomycin A, Caffeine, Indoleacrylic acid in Qr-T. Transcriptomics up-regulation DEGs related development (e.g., MYO17, LEC2) down-regulation defense-related (like IOS1, Y3471) GO KEGG analyses indicated defense responses isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathway were suppressed Coexpression network identified coordinated genes, such as CYP81Q32 CYP94A5, their coexpressed transcription factors (such WRKY6, WRKY53) The above findings suggest curling may weaken its insect resistance, which provides clues improving plant agroforestry.