Figure 7.

Expression of pepper defense-related maker genes and SA accumulation in CaRING1-silenced pepper leaves infected with Xcv. A, Expression of CaRING1 and pepper defense-related marker genes in empty vector control (TRV:00) and CaRING1-silenced (TRV:CaRING1) pepper plants 12 and 24 h after inoculation with virulent and avirulent strains of Xcv. Gene expression was analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR and normalized using constitutively expressed 18S rRNA. Data represent means ± sd from three independent experiments. Asterisks indicate significant differences between empty vector control and CaRING1-silenced pepper plants as determined by Student’s t test (P < 0.05). H, Healthy leaves. B, Free SA and total SA levels in empty vector control (TRV:00) or CaRING1-silenced (TRV:CaRING1) pepper leaves 12 and 24 h after inoculation (10⁷ cfu mL⁻¹) with the virulent Xcv strain Ds1 (compatible) and the avirulent Xcv strain Bv5-4a (incompatible). Data represent means ± sd from three independent experiments. Asterisks indicate significant differences between empty vector control and CaRING1-silenced pepper plants as determined by Student’s t test (P < 0.05). FW, Fresh weight.