Multiple MicroRNAs are Involved in Regulating Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Resistance to Sclerotium rolfsii at the Early Stage

Abstract

Stem rot, caused by soilborne pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii, is one of the most destructive diseases of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) worldwide. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) are indispensable regulators for plant defense, the miRNA species have not been explored for peanut immunity against the soilborne pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii. Here, we report a miRNA comparative analysis of the durably resistant peanut variety Rizhaohua-1 (Rzh) and the susceptible peanut variety Jitian-1 (JT) in response to infection by Sclerotium rolfsii. We identified a group of known and novel miRNAs that were differentially expressed upon S. rolfsii infection. The predicted target genes included receptor kinases, transcription factors, and genes involved in the production and transport of metabolites. In this study, we have shown that miRNAs regulate a broad range of genes to respond to the pathogen, and eventually establish a systemic defense network to combat disease.