Overexpression of Cucurbita pepo CpVQ27 increased susceptibility of tobacco to powdery mildew

Abstract

Powdery mildew (PM) is the primary disease affecting Cucurbita pepo cultivation, and one of the significant factors influencing its yield. The VQ protein is involved in a diverse range of signal transduction pathways, exerting influences on plant growth and development, while also playing a pivotal role in response to both biotic and abiotic stresses. This study investigates the response of CpVQ27 (XM_023689058.1) gene in Cucurbita pepo to powdery mildew infection. Its function in tobacco powdery mildew was examined through genetic transformation. Compared to the wild-type (WT), CpVQ27-overexpression tobacco exacerbated the powdery mildew symptoms. Antioxidant enzyme activities decreased, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased. Powdery mildew mycelium growth rate and biomass also increased. The disease resistance-related genes expression decreased in CpVQ27-overexpression tobacco. Overexpression of CpVQ27 enhances the susceptibility of tobacco to powdery mildew.