Comparative transcriptome analysis of Fusarium graminearum challenged with distinct fungicides and functional analysis of FgICL gene

Fusarium graminearum is an economically important phytopathogenic fungus. Chemical control remains the dominant approach to managing this plant pathogen. In the present study, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis to understand the effects of four commercially used fungicides on F. graminearum. The results revealed a significant number of differentially expressed genes related to carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism, particularly in the carbendazim and phenamacril groups. Central carbon pathways, including the TCA and glyoxylate cycles, were found to play crucial roles across all treatments except tebuconazole. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis reinforced the pivotal role of central carbon pathways based on identified hub genes. Additionally, critical candidates associated with ATP-binding cassette transporters, heat shock proteins, and chitin synthases were identified. The crucial functions of the isocitrate lyase in F. graminearum were also validated. Overall, the study provided comprehensive insights into the mechanisms of how F. graminearum responds to fungicide stress.