Abstract:Based on transcriptome sequencing, we obtained the differential gene expression profiles of tea shoot leaves undamaged and damaged by Myllocerinus aurolinealus Voss, and the expression differences of related genes correlated with signal monitoring and transduction, transcription factors, and secondary metabolites biosynthesis were analyzed. The study was capable of providing a reference for further research on the defense mechanism of tea plants induced by weevil damage. The results showed that: (1) 309 upregulated and 297 downregulated genes were detected after tea weevil damaged, and were divided into 23 groups. (2) 17 unigenes were upregulated by 2.0-2.8 folds in signal monitoring and transduction process, including leucinerich repeat receptorlike kinase gene, mitogenactivated protein kinase gene, jasmonic acid signal pathway gene, calcium ion signal gene and salicylic acid metabolism pathway gene. 21 transcription factors were upregulated by 1.8-2.8 folds, including bHLH, WRKY, bZIP, MYB and UAF. Eight unigenes in the metabolism of phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and terpenoids were upregulated by 2.1-2.5 folds, including phenylpyruvate tautomerase gene, cinnamoylCoA reductase gene, dihydroflavonol reductase gene, anthocyanidin reductase gene, anthocyanidin reductase gene, farnesol dehydrogenase gene. The increased gene expression induced by weevil feeding is mainly caused by mechanical damage, and the insect oral secretions have synergistic effects on the upregulated of these genes.