Transcriptomic response of sweet basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum) following downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii) inoculation at two timepoints

Basil downy mildew infects this specialty crop throughout the world, causing diminished yields. To better understand the plant genetic response to downy mildew infection in a susceptible basil cultivar, whole transcriptomes were collected from detached leaves at 3 and 6 days after inoculation with an Illinois isolate of Peronospora belbahrii. Whole transcriptomes from detached leaves inoculated with water served as control samples. This study should also enable identification of critical genes expressed by the pathogen at the these timepoints.