FIGURE 2.

Knockdown of GhSSI2s triggered a hypersensitive response (HR)‐like phenotype. (a) Spontaneous lesions were observed on the leaves of TRV:GhSSI2s, especially along the leaf vein. (b) Trypan blue staining of TRV:GhSSI2 and TRV:00 leaves, showing obvious cell death phenotype in the TRV:GhSSI2 leaves. (c) H₂O₂ accumulation at the site of lesion formation in TRV:GhSSI2 leaves was visualized through 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining. (d) Quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis of PR gene expression in TRV:00 and TRV:GhSSI2 plants. The values are the mean ± SE for three biological replicates (*p < 0.05, **  p< 0.01, Student's t test). (e) Measurements of the H₂O₂ and salicylic acid (SA) contents in the silenced cotton leaves. The values are the mean ± SE for three biological replicates (**p < 0.01, Student's t test)