Dynamic transcriptomic responses to soybean cyst nematode infection in soybean genotypes with contrasting resistance profiles

The resistance mechanism employed by PI 561310 appears to be driven by the expression of <i>PAL</i>, which positively regulates downstream lignin, flavonoid and salicylic acid biosynthesis pathways. PI 567295 displayed a unique and divergent transcriptomic response characterized predominantly by gene downregulation, rather than the canonical upregulation observed during defense activation; an atypical response suggestive that PI 567295 employs a distinct mechanism not previously described in the literature. This study explores the diversity of defense strategies and provides valuable insight into novel genetic origins of SCN resistance as we navigate the landscape of evolving SCN parasitism.