Shuai Shao

Dr. Shuai Shao


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 July 2026 in Horticulturae
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Journal Article
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SSShuai Shao
Shuai Shao
YSYing Song
Ying Song
YGYuguang Gao
Yuguang Gao
YCYi Cao
Yi Cao
CCChangqing Chen
Changqing Chen
JGJie Gao
Jie Gao
Ginseng Alternaria leaf and stem blight (GALSB), caused by Alternaria alternata, poses a severe threat to ginseng cultivation. Although azoxystrobin is a cornerstone fungicide for GALSB management, the emergence of widespread adaptive resistance has severely curtailed its field efficacy. This study integrated molecular, transcriptomic, and genetic approaches to unravel the underlying resistance mechanisms. Targeted gene sequencing and molecular docking revealed that resistant strains harbor a conserved G143A point mutation in the AaCyt b protein. This mutation weakens the azoxystrobin–AaCyt b protein binding affinity by decreasing the binding energy from −8.31 to −7.08 kcal/mol. Additionally, comparative transcriptomics and RT-qPCR demonstrated pronounced upregulation of the alternative oxidase gene (AaAOX) and core energy metabolism pathways in resistant strain TYC8-2, with AaAOX expression increasing 4.45–6.91-fold. Fungicidal inhibition of AOX via salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) restored fungal sensitivity, increasing azoxystrobin sensitivity by 11.66-fold. Crucially, genetic knockout of AaAOX enhanced sensitivity by approximately 2.7 × 104-fold. Phenotypic assays further established AaAOX as a multifunctional regulator; the AaAOX mutant exhibited attenuated virulence on ginseng leaves and increased sensitivity to oxidative and osmotic stresses (NaCl, H2O2, NaAc). We conclude that the G143A mutation in AaCyt b and the transcriptional overexpression of AaAOX act independently to drive azoxystrobin resistance in A. alternata. These findings provide comprehensive mechanistic insights to guide resistance monitoring, optimize fungicide applications, and develop precision strategies for GALSB management.