Identification and Characterization of Verticillium nonalfalfae-Responsive MicroRNAs in the Roots of Resistant and Susceptible Hop Cultivars

MicroRNAs are 21- to 24-nucleotide-long, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They can modulate various biological processes, including plant response and resistance fungal pathogens. Hops grown for use in brewing industry and, recently, also pharmaceutical industry. Severe Verticillium wilt caused by phytopathogenic fungus nonalfalfae, is main factor yield loss many crops, hops (Humulus lupulus L.). In our study, we identified 56 known 43 novel miRNAs their patterns roots of susceptible resistant hop cultivars after inoculation with V. nonalfalfae. found five two differentially expressed cultivar six cultivar. Differentially target 49 transcripts involved protein localization pigment synthesis cultivar, whereas they transcription regulation hormone signalling The results study suggest respond differently nonalfalfae miRNA level may contribute successful defence