The Cys2/His2-type zinc finger transcription factor CsZAT10 positively regulates Cucumis sativus resistance against Bemisia tabaci by activating the plant defense system.

BACKGROUND: Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are globally invasive agricultural pests that currently lack effective control measures. Cys2/His2-type zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) are ubiquitous transcription factors that play critical roles in regulating plant resistance to various stresses. However, it remains unclear whether these proteins modulate plant defense responses during whitefly infestation. This study investigates the function and mechanisms of the Cys2/His2-type zinc finger transcription factor CsZAT10 in regulating cucumber resistance to B. tabaci.

RESULTS: CsZAT10 contains two zinc finger domains, classifying it as a Cys2/His2-type ZFP. Furthermore, the expression of CsZAT10 was significantly induced by infestation with B. tabaci and by defense-related signaling molecules such as salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, and hydrogen peroxide. Silencing CsZAT10 significantly increased the survival rates and host preference of B. tabaci, while overexpression of CsZAT10 reduced these metrics. Further studies revealed that silencing CsZAT10 suppressed plant defense systems, as evidenced by decreased levels of these defense signaling molecules, downregulation of defense-related genes, reduced activity of defense enzymes (including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase), and lower amounts of resistance-related compounds (such as phenols, tannins, and flavonoids). Conversely, CsZAT10 overexpression activated these defense responses.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that CsZAT10 positively regulates Cucumis sativus resistance to B. tabaci by activating plant defense signaling pathways associated with reactive oxygen species, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid pathways. Our results identify a novel molecular target for breeding plants resistant to whiteflies. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.