Figure 4. PsCRN115 mediates upregulation of pathogenesis-related genes and H₂O₂ accumulation in N. benthamiana.

(a) Expression of PR1b and PR2b genes. Samples were collected at the indicated time points upon infection with P. capsici zoospores. The relative expression levels were standardized to the EF1α gene. Error bars represent standard errors (**, P < 0.01, Dunnett’s test). (b) Increased H₂O₂ accumulation in PsCRN115-transgenic plants. H₂O₂ accumulation was visualized by DAB in transgenic N. benthamiana leaves at 12 h after inoculation with water (mock) or P. capsici zoospores. Detached leaves were stained with DAB solution as described in the Methods section. Microscopic observations of the DAB-stained leaves of N. benthamiana are shown at the bottom. (c) Relative intensity of DAB staining in P. capsici-infected N. benthamiana. Values are means ± SE of four biological replicates. Asterisks indicate significant differences between GFP- and PsCRN115-transgenic plants (**, P < 0.01, Dunnett’s test). (d) Expression levels of ROS-producing genes RbohA and RbohB. Asterisks indicate significant differences between GFP- and PsCRN115-transgenic plants (**, P < 0.01, Dunnett’s test).