Genetius

The study combined spatial transcriptomics and single-nuclei RNA sequencing to map soybean (Glycine max) responses to Asian soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, revealing two distinct host cell states: pathogen‑occupied regions and adjacent non‑infected regions that show heightened defense gene expression. Gene co‑expression network analysis identified a key immune‑related module active in the stressed cells, highlighting a cell‑non‑autonomous defense mechanism.

The chickpea-derived cysteine‑rich peptide NCR13_PFV1 exhibited nanomolar antifungal activity against both QoI‑sensitive and -resistant isolates of the soybean pathogen Cercospora sojina, protecting sprayed soybean leaves without phytotoxicity and showing additive effects with azoxystrobin. The peptide disrupts fungal plasma membranes, induces ROS, is rapidly internalized, binds fungal rRNA, and inhibits protein translation, with iron availability modulating its activity. These multifaceted mechanisms suggest NCR13_PFV1 as a promising bio‑fungicide for durable FLS management.