Integrated multi-omics identifies plant hormone signal transduction and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis as key pathways in kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa) resistance to Botryosphaeria Dothidea infection

Significant changes in kiwifruit tissue morphology, gene expression, and metabolite profiles were observed after 72 h of B. dothidea infection. The plant hormone signal transduction and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways are closely associated with the pathogenesis of kiwifruit soft rot. The MYB transcription factor (Acc32263) and the ChlH-like gene (Acc00854) are likely to be the key regulators. This study identifies the core regulatory pathways and genes involved in kiwifruit soft rot, provides new insights into the pathogenic mechanism of B. dothidea, and offers theoretical support for developing effective strategies to control kiwifruit soft rot.