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Metabolic robustness in young roots underpins a predictive model of maize hybrid performance in the field
Author(s) -
Abreu e Lima Francisco,
Westhues Matthias,
CuadrosInostroza Álvaro,
Willmitzer Lothar,
Melchinger Albrecht E.,
Nikoloski Zoran
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the plant journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.058
H-Index - 269
eISSN - 1365-313X
pISSN - 0960-7412
DOI - 10.1111/tpj.13495
Subject(s) - biology , heterosis , hybrid , metabolomics , inbred strain , metabolite , zea mays , agronomy , robustness (evolution) , poaceae , germination , microbiology and biotechnology , botany , genetics , gene , bioinformatics , biochemistry
Summary Heterosis has been extensively exploited for yield gain in maize ( Zea mays L.). Here we conducted a comparative metabolomics‐based analysis of young roots from in vitro germinating seedlings and from leaves of field‐grown plants in a panel of inbred lines from the Dent and Flint heterotic patterns as well as selected F 1 hybrids. We found that metabolite levels in hybrids were more robust than in inbred lines. Using state‐of‐the‐art modeling techniques, the most robust metabolites from roots and leaves explained up to 37 and 44% of the variance in the biomass from plants grown in two distinct field trials. In addition, a correlation‐based analysis highlighted the trade‐off between defense‐related metabolites and hybrid performance. Therefore, our findings demonstrated the potential of metabolic profiles from young maize roots grown under tightly controlled conditions to predict hybrid performance in multiple field trials, thus bridging the greenhouse–field gap.