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Poster

Session: Session 1 Presenting Authors at Posters (Odds)

P-271 - Characterizing Phytophthora palmivora Virulence Gene Variation Using Targeted Capture Sequencing and RNA-seq

Monday, July 14, 2025
13:30 - 15:15  
Location: Confex Hall 3
Population Biology, Ecology & Genomics
Phytophthora palmivora is a globally distributed pathogen affecting economically important tropical crops, including cacao, durian, and papaya. Understanding its genetic diversity and transcriptional activity during infection is crucial for improving disease management and identifying resistance mechanisms. Our study integrates targeted capture sequencing for virulence genes and dual RNA-seq for gene expression analysis to characterize virulence genes variation in a diverse P. palmivora collection. We analyzed 87 P. palmivora isolates from multiple hosts and regions, using probe sets targeting 2,198 virulence-related genes. Conserved effectors, including RxLR and CRN proteins, were identified, and sequence variation was assessed to infer pathogen adaptability. Dual RNA-seq of Theobroma cacao pods at 12 and 48 hours post-inoculation identified differentially expressed genes in 10 clones selected for their broad susceptibility-resistance profiles. Pathogen transcript recovery was highest at 48 hours, highlighting key virulence genes active during infection. These expression data guided the selection of priority genes for the analysis. By integrating targeted sequencing with expression profiles, we identified genes essential for host colonization and assess their variation across P. palmivora populations. This approach refines effector characterization and advances strategies for disease mitigation in cacao.