Comparative transcriptomic analysis of resistant and susceptible alfalfa cultivars (Medicago sativa L.) after thrips infestation.

Results indicated both thrips resistant and susceptible alfalfa cultivars can regulate gene expression in the salicylic acid (SA) and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways to induce defensive genes and protein expression (e.g. polyphenol oxidase, protease inhibitor), which enhances plant defence capacity.