Variation in Seed Metabolites between Two Indica Rice Accessions Differing in Seed Longevity

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Biochemistry
• Plant Biology

Background:

• Seed viability is crucial for agriculture and food security.
• Understanding the biochemical basis of seed longevity is essential for improving crop storage and yield.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the metabolic differences between short-lived and long-lived rice seeds during storage.
• To identify potential biochemical markers for seed deterioration.

Main Methods:

• Metabolite profiling using hybrid triple quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry.
• Analysis of rice seeds ('WAS170' - short-lived, 'IR65483' - long-lived) after storage under controlled conditions (10.9% MC, 45 °C).
• Genome sequence analysis to identify genetic variations in key metabolic genes.

Main Results:

• Long-lived seeds ('IR65483') showed increased levels of flavonoids (kaempferide, quercetin-3-arabinoside), S-sulfocysteine, and D-glucose after storage.
• Short-lived seeds ('WAS170') exhibited increased levels of thiamine monophosphate and harmaline.
• Allelic differences in six flavonol synthase genes were identified, correlating with flavonoid accumulation.

Conclusions:

• Specific metabolites, including flavonoids, are associated with enhanced seed longevity in rice.
• Thiamine monophosphate and harmaline may serve as biochemical indicators of seed deterioration.
• Genetic variations in flavonol synthase genes influence metabolite accumulation and seed lifespan.