Metabolomic Variation in Sugarcane Maturation Under a Temperate Climate

Metabolomics is a powerful tool used for the evaluation of sugarcane components which are key factors influencing its response to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, little is known about the compositional variability and diversity of the sugarcane juice metabolome under practical field conditions in temperate climates.

In this study, we characterized metabolomic differences and variability in sugarcane juice components during the maturation stage of nine cultivars grown in a temperate climate in Japan using a nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics approach, aiming to provide insights into genotype-dependent adaptability to environmental and climate changes.

Principal component analysis revealed distinct metabolic profiles based on cultivar and maturation level. Notably, sucrose levels increased from September to December accompanied by decreased glucose and fructose levels across all cultivars. Early-maturing cultivars had high sucrose content even with shorter growing periods, suggesting particular advantages for sugar production in temperate climates. Additionally, 4-aminobutyric acid accumulated in all cultivars as maturation progressed. On the other hand, trans-aconitic acid, choline, and branched-chain amino acids showed cultivar-dependent trends. In one example, choline concentrations increased significantly in specific cultivars during maturation.

These findings support a deeper understanding of metabolic adaptation and may aid in identifying cultivars better suited to environmental fluctuations.