Fig. 4

In vitro application of double-stranded siRNA of UV_1261 to U. virens P4. a Double-stranded siRNA specifically targeting UV_1261 was synthesized in vitro and added in PSB culturing U. virens isolate P4. Relative expression of UV_1261 was determined by RT-qPCR using UvTub2α as a reference gene. Significant difference was determined by the Student’s t-test. **, P < 0.05. b Representative image of P4-infected rice panicles with variable number of false smut balls. c The number of false smut balls in P4-infected rice panicles. P4 inocula were pre-treated with 10 nM double-stranded siRNA of UV_1261, and adding with DEPC-treated ddH₂O was set as control (CK). Arrows indicate false smut balls. Uv, U. virens