Glucosinolates, the main secondary metabolites accumulated in cruciferous flora, have
a major impact on fortifying plant immunity against diverse pathogens. Although Botrytis cinerea
exhibits varying sensitivity to these compounds, current research has yet to fully understand the intricate
mechanisms governing its response to glucosinolates. Different species of the genus Botrytis were
exposed to glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates, revealing that B. fabae, B. deweyae, and B. convolute,
species with the mfsG transporter gene (Bcin06g00026) not detected with PCR, were more sensitive to
isothiocyanates than Botrytis species containing that gene, such as B. cinerea, B. pseudocinerea, and B.
byssoidea. This finding was further corroborated by the inability of species with the mfsG gene not
detected with PCR to infect plants with a high concentration of glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates.
These results challenge established correlations, revealing varying aggressiveness on different plant
substrates. An expression analysis highlighted the gene’s induction in the presence of isothiocyanate,
and a bioinformatic investigation identified homologous genes in other Botrytis species. Our study
underscored the importance of advanced biotechnology to help understand these proteins and thus
offer innovative solutions for agriculture.

Utilizing bioinformatics tools, this study expands our understanding of secondary
metabolism in Botrytis cinerea, identifying novel genes within polyketide synthase (PKS), nonribosomal
peptide synthetase (NRPS), sesquiterpene cyclase (STC), diterpene cyclase (DTC), and
dimethylallyltryptophan synthase (DMATS) families. These findings enrich the genetic framework
associated with B. cinerea’s pathogenicity and ecological adaptation, offering insights into uncharted
metabolic pathways. Significantly, the discovery of previously unannotated genes provides new
molecular targets for developing targeted antifungal strategies, promising to enhance crop protection
and advance our understanding of fungal biochemistry. This research not only broadens the
scope of known secondary metabolites but also opens avenues for future exploration into B. cinerea’s
biosynthetic capabilities, potentially leading to novel antifungal compounds. Our work underscores
the importance of integrating bioinformatics and genomics for fungal research, paving the way for
sustainable agricultural practices by pinpointing precise molecular interventions against B. cinerea.
This study sets a foundation for further investigations into the fungus’s secondary metabolism, with
implications for biotechnology and crop disease management.