A metabolomics analysis of the effect of water deficit on the freezing tolerance of alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

doi:10.11686/cyxb2018756

Abstract

Abstract: This research examined the influence of water deficit on alfalfa freezing tolerance. Two treatments with alfalfa plants grown at 80% and 25% soil water holding capacity were set up, and the semilethal temperature (LT₅₀) determined and compared for the contrasting watering regimes. Metabolite levels in alfalfa crowns were analyzed using an LC-MS instrument. Results showed the freezing tolerance of alfalfa plants in water deficit (WD) to be superior to that of well-watered plants (WW), with higher total soluble sugar levels WD than WW. Compared with the WW treatment, WD plants displayed up-regulated glycerophospholipids and fatty acyls which are the main constituents of the plasma membrane and have a function of enhancing membrane fluidity and stability. Hence, the up-regulated compounds are very important to the capability to resist cold damage. In addition, from KEGG analysis of carbohydrate profiles of the two treatments, the up-regulation of D-maltose levels in WD plants appears to be another important contributing factor to the enhanced freezing tolerance in the WD plants.

Key words: alfalfa, water deficit, freezing tolerance, metabolomics, LC-MS

XU Hong-yu, LI Xiang-lin. A metabolomics analysis of the effect of water deficit on the freezing tolerance of alfalfa (Medicago sativa)[J]. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2020, 29(1): 106-116.

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