Abstract Colletotrichum siamense is a hemibiotrophic ascomycetous fungus responsible for mango anthracnose. The key genes involved in C. siamense infection remained largely unknown. In this study, we conducted weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of RNA-seq data to mine key genes involved in Colletotrichum siamense-mango interactions. Gene modules of Turquoise and Salmon, containing 1039 and 139 respectively, were associated with C. siamense infection, which were conducted for further analysis. GO enrichment analysis revealed that protein synthesis, organonitrogen compound biosynthetic and metabolic process, and endoplasmic reticulum-related genes were associated with C. siamense infection. A total of 568 proteins had homologs in the PHI database, 370 of which were related to virulence. The hub genes in each module were identified, which were annotated as O-methyltransferase (Salmon) and Clock-controlled protein 6 (Turquoise). A total of 24 proteins exhibited characteristics of SCRPs. By using transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana, the SCRPs of XM_036637681.1 could inhibit programmed cell death (PCD) that induced by BAX (BCL-2-associated X protein), suggesting that it may play important roles in C. siamense infection. A mango-C. siamense co-expression network was constructed, and the mango gene of XM_044632979.1 (auxin-induced protein 15A-like) was positively associated with 5 SCRPs. These findings help to deepen the current understanding of necrotrophic stage in C. siamense infection.

The export competitiveness of three major fruit crops of the Philippines were studied using the domestic resource cost (DRC) method. The DRC estimates were supplemented with perspectives of experts and stakeholders on the impacts of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Trade statistics showed increased trade for these crops among ASEAN members. DRC values also confirmed that domestic production of banana, mango, and pineapple were cost competitive. Sensitivity analysis revealed that raising productivity helps ensure that the competitiveness of these export crops will continue. Furthermore, key informant interviews cited that there is a challenge for domestic production to meet the volume and high quality demanded by export markets. Thus, PCAARRD’s Industry Strategic S&T Plans (ISPs) which target increased yields offer a good starting point in sustaining export competitiveness. Lastly, the country’s potential to serve as a processing and high value-added production hub should be explored as has been shared by experts and industry feedback.