Transcriptome Analysis of GDFS 1009 Revealed the Role of Gene on the Methionine-Based Induction of Morphogenesis and Biological Control Activity.

spp. are biological control agents extensively used against various plant pathogens. However, the key genes shared for the growth, development and biological activity are unclear. In this study, we explored the genes responsible for the growth and development of GDFS 1009 under liquid-shaking culture compared to solid-surface culture. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2744 differentially expressed genes, and RT-qPCR validation showed that the high-affinity methionine permease was the key gene for growth under different media. Deletion of the inhibited the transport of amino acids, especially methionine, thereby inhibiting mycelial growth and sporulation, whereas inhibition could be mitigated by adding methionine metabolites such as SAM, spermidine and spermine. The gene responsible for the methionine-dependent growth of was confirmed to be promoted through the PKA pathway but not the MAPK pathway. Furthermore, the gene also increased the mycoparasitic activity of against . Greenhouse experiments revealed that strengthens the -induced crop growth promotion effect and SA-induced pathogen defense potential in maize. Our study highlights the effect of the gene on growth and morphological differentiation and its importance for the agricultural application of against plant diseases.