Fig. 3

The enhanced susceptibility of the NbERF173-silenced lines. a RT-PCR analysis of NbERF173 expression in three independent silenced lines. To obtain the NbERF173-silenced lines, Agrobacterium strains harboring the TRV1 vector and TRV:GFP, TRV:PDS (phytoenedesaturase) or TRV:NbERF173 were mixed in a 1:1 ratio to achieve a final OD600 of 0.5 for each strain. The co-cultures were then infiltrated into the lower three leaves of 2-week-old plants. b Lesion diameters of the NbERF173-silenced leaves inoculated with P. parasitica. Lesion diameters of the NbERF173-silenced leaves inoculated with P. parasitica were measured at 36 and 48 hpi, and calculated from three independent biological replicates using at least eight leaves each (* P < 0.05 compared with GFP; Dunnett’s test). c Trypan blue staining of the hyphal extension. The staining was performed at 24 hpi. d Infection of the NbERF173-silenced leaves with B. cinerea. Lesion diameters of the NbERF173-silenced leaves inoculated with B. cinerea were measured at 36 and 48 hpi, and calculated from three independent biological replicates using at least eight leaves each (* P < 0.05 compared with GFP; Dunnett’s test)