INTEGRATED MOLECULAR RESPONSES: UNVEILING THE SYNERGIES BETWEEN COCOA POD BORER INFESTATION AND ALUMINUM STRESS IN ACIDIC SOIL
Authors: Roslina, M. S.1* and Lee P. C.2
Journal Issue: Malaysian Cocoa Journal, Volume 16/2024
Keywords: Cocoa pod borer, transcriptome, responses, defence mechanisms, breeding
Published On: 1/10/2024
Abstract
This study explores the intricate interplay between molecular responses in cocoa trees facing challenges from Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB) infestation and aluminum stress in acidic soil. Transcriptome analysis of CPB-infested and uninfested cocoa tissues reveals a shared upregulation of critical genes, including chitinase and osmotin. Notably, a subset of these upregulated genes involved in aluminum responses, such as alcohol dehydrogenase, pectin methylesterase, aluminum transporter protein, and heavy metal transport protein, demonstrates a unique dual role in the face of CPB infestation and aluminum-induced plant stress. Commonly planted in slightly acidic soil (ph 5.5-6.5), cocoa trees exhibit a complex but coordinated molecular response to CPB and aluminum stress. The identified aluminum-responsive genes, showing exclusive upregulation in CPB-infested plants, emerge as potential markers for specific CPB clones. The integration of transcriptome analysis and qPCR validates these findings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the shared molecular pathways activated in response to these environmental challenges. This study enhances our knowledge of cocoa tree defense mechanisms and lays the foundation for targeted strategies in breeding programs to fortify cocoa trees against CPB while adapting to aluminum-rich acidic soils.