Abstract: In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was employed to analyze differential gene expression during the initial stage of kiwifruit infection by Botryosphaeria dothidea, aiming to clarify the mechanism of kiwifruit soft rot at the level of transcriptional regulation in order to provide new clues for the scientific prevention and control of this disease. Results showed that 658 and 921 up-regulated genes, and 1 951 and 1 979 down-regulated genes were identified at 24 h and 48 h post inoculation, respectively. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in pathways related to ribosomes, starch and sucrose metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism and also involved in carbon source utilization, sexual reproduction, virulence, and other signaling pathways. A correlation network was constructed of 48 key genes that were up-regulated at both 24 h and 48 h post inoculation, and the key DEGs at the network nodes were identified. This study provides a scientific basis for screening important pathogenic genes of kiwifruit soft rot disease.

Key words: kiwifruit; soft rot; Botryosphaeria dothidea; infection mechanism; pathogenic genes