Combined analysis of metabolome and transcriptome of wheat kernels reveals constitutive defense mechanism against maize weevils

Abstract

Sitophilus zeamais (maize weevil) is one of the most destructive pests that seriously affects the quantity and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, little is known about the constitutive defense mechanism of wheat kernels against maize weevils. In this study, we obtained a highly resistant variety RIL-116 and a highly susceptible variety after two years of screening. The morphological observations and germination rates of wheat kernels after feeding ad libitum showed that the degree of infection in RIL-116 was far less than that in RIL-72. The combined analysis of metabolome and transcriptome of RIL-116 and RIL-72 wheat kernels revealed differentially accumulated metabolites were mainly enriched in flavonoids biosynthesis-related pathway, followed by glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and benzoxazinoid biosynthesis. Several flavonoids metabolites were significantly up-accumulated in resistant variety RIL-116. In addition, the expression of structural genes and transcription factors (TFs) related to flavonoids biosynthesis were up-regulated to varying degrees in RIL-116 than RIL-72. Taken together, these results indicated that the biosynthesis and accumulation of flavonoids contributes the most to wheat kernels defense against maize weevils. This study not only provides insights into the constitutive defense mechanism of wheat kernels against maize weevils, but may also play an important role in the breeding of resistant varieties.

Trichomes and unique gene expression confer insect herbivory resistance in Vitis labrusca grapevines

“…In alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ) resistant to thrips, when compared to a susceptible line under non-insect herbivory conditions, the resistant line had higher levels of flavonoid compounds [ 116 ]. In wheat ( Triticum aestivum ), a variety resistant to maize weevil ( Sitophilus zeamais ) constitutively produced multiple compounds, including flavonoids and benzoxazinoids, at levels greater than the susceptible variety [ 52 ].…”

Aphid Resistance Evaluation and Constitutive Resistance Analysis of Eighteen Lilies

“…This infestation leads to plants shriveling, affecting flowering and fruiting, and reducing ornamental and application value, resulting in serious economic losses [3]. The main method of aphid management is the use of pesticides, which not only increases production costs but also causes harm to the environment [4][5][6][7]. Therefore, people are beginning to search for alternative biological control methods for pesticides.…”

“…Plants have their own defense systems that are developed during long-term interactions with insects. These defense mechanisms can be classified into two categories: constitutive resistance and induced resistance [4,9,10]. Constitutive resistance is inherent in plants and is related to their genotypes [11,12].…”

“…Constitutive resistance is inherent in plants and is related to their genotypes [11,12]. It acts throughout their lifespan and consists of physical barriers and chemical barriers [4,10,13]. Research on physical barriers in plants currently focuses on factors such as leaf color, leaf trichomes, the wax content of the leaf surface, leaf structure, and so on [14,15].…”