Transcriptome analysis of the related defense genes in postharvest Ginkgo biloba seeds against Penicillium oxalicum

Ginkgo biloba seeds (GBSs) are an important homology of medicine and food in China, but are susceptible to infection by Penicillium oxalicum (P. oxalicum) during storage. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of GBSs to P. oxalicum infection remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of P. oxalicum infection on GBSs during postharvest storage. We found that P. oxalicum infection increased the respiration rate, electrolyte leakage, and malondialdehyde content, and induced the activities of several defense-related enzymes in GBSs. Transcriptome analysis revealed a total of 17525 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GBSs stored at 25 °C, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed complex defense reactions induced by P. oxalicum infection. These included the upregulation of genes involved in glutathione metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, long-chain fatty acid synthesis and metabolism, and plant-pathogen interaction. Furthermore, we observed increased expression of DEGs encoding transcription factors such as ERF, WRKY, and MYB. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of GBSs to P. oxalicum infection during storage, and may facilitate the development of new strategies for maintaining the postharvest quality of GBSs.