Field evaluation ratified by transcript and computational analyses unveils myco-protective role of SUGARWIN proteins in sugarcane.

Nine elite sugarcane genotypes (SPF-234, CPF-246, CPF-247, CPF-248, HSF-240, CP-77-400, S-2006-US-658, S-2003-US-127 and S-2006-US-633) were assessed for field level tolerance against Colletotrichum falcatum followed by quantitative expression and computational analyses of mycoprotective proteins. Plug inoculation method was used to assess level of tolerance of aforementioned genotypes while growing in the field. Genotype S-2006-US-658 was categorized as resistant whereas genotypes CPF-246, CPF-248, HSF-240, S-2003-US-127, S-2006-US-633 and CP-77-400 were categorized as moderately resistant and genotypes SPF-234, CPF-247 as moderately susceptible. Quantitative transcript analyses also revealed that the expression of mycoprotective genes (SUGARWIN1 and SUGARWIN2) was maximum in genotype CPF-246 whereas lowest in genotype SPF-234. Hence these mycoprotective proteins play some critical role in fungal pathogen protection as genotypes with higher expression are more tolerant compared to the genotypes with lower expression of mycoprotective proteins. In-silico interaction of these mycoprotective proteins with chitin, glucan, chitosan and mannan (the core constituents of fungal cell wall) also validated their role in disease susceptibility or resistance. These studies will prove a step forward in understanding mycoprotective proteins and can be employed to develop molecular markers for the selection and screening of red rot resistant sugarcane varieties resulting in enhanced productivity of this valuable cash crop.