Decoding the effects of drought stress on popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) flowering combining proteomics and physiological analysis

• Published in: Plant physiology and biochemistry 2024-03, Vol.208, p.108444-108444, Article 108444
• Main Authors: Schmitt, Katia Fabiane Medeiros, do Amaral Junior, Antônio Teixeira, Kamphorst, Samuel Henrique, Pinto, Vitor Batista, de Lima, Valter Jário, de Oliveira, Uéliton Alves, Viana, Flávia Nicácio, Leite, Jhean Torres, Gomes, Leticia Peixoto, Silva, José Gabriel de Souza, Lamêgo, Danielle Leal, Bernado, Wallace de Paula, de Souza, Guilherme Augusto Rodrigues, de Almeida, Felipe Astolpho, de Souza Filho, Gonçalo Apolinário, Silveira, Vanildo, Campostrini, Eliemar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abiotic stress; Shotgun proteomics; Water deficit
• ISSN: 0981-9428; 1873-2690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108444

Under conditions of soil water limitation and adequate irrigation, we conducted an investigation into the growth dynamics, gas exchange performance, and proteomic profiles of two inbred popcorn lines—L71, characterized as drought-tolerant, and L61, identified as drought-sensitive. Our goal was to uncover the mechanisms associated with tolerance to soil water limitation during the flowering. The plants were cultivated until grain filling in a substrate composed of perlite and peat within 150cm long lysimeter, subjected to two water conditions (WC): i) irrigated (WW) at lysimeter capacity (LC - 100%), and ii) water-stressed (WS). Under WS conditions, the plants gradually reached 45% of LC and were maintained at this level for 10 days. Irrespective of the WC, L71 exhibited the highest values of dry biomass in both shoot and root systems, signifying its status as the most robust genotype. The imposed water limitation led to early senescence, chlorophyll degradation, and increased anthocyanin levels, with a more pronounced impact observed in L61. Traits related to gas exchange manifested differences between the lines only under WS conditions. A total of 1838 proteins were identified, with 169 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) in the tolerant line and 386 DAPs in the sensitive line. Notably, differences in energy metabolism, photosynthesis, oxidative stress response, and protein synthesis pathways were identified as the key distinctions between L71 and L61. Consequently, our findings offer valuable insights into the alterations in proteomic profiles associated with the adaptation to soil water limitation in popcorn. [Display omitted] •Changes in proteomic profiles occur in response to water limitation in popcorn.•1838 proteins were identified, with 169 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) in the tolerant line and 386 DAPs in the sensitive line.•Energy metabolism, photosynthesis, oxidative stress response, and protein synthesis represented the main differences between genotypes.