Morphophysiological and Proteomic Profiling Reveals Mechanisms Underlying Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Popcorn (Zea mays everta)

ABSTRACT: Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for agricultural production, and its excessive use causes not only economic but also environmental damage. However, improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) remains a complex task for achieving more productive crops under conditions of limited nitrogen availability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study aiming to integrate the morphophysiological responses and proteomic profiles of leaves and roots of popcorn (Zea mays everta). For this, two inbred lines contrasting for NUE, i.e., P2 (high NUE) and L80 (low NUE), were cultivated under high (100% of N supply) and low (10% of N supply) nitrogen conditions. Morphological and physiological traiits such as photochemical quenching (qP), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII), and potential photosynthesis (Apot) were evaluated. P2 showed more pronounced vegetative growth under low N, as well as higher values of qP, NPQ, and ΦPSII. Comparative proteomic analysis of the leaves identified 215 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) in P2 and 168 DAPs in L80, while in roots, 127 DAPs were observed in P2 and 172 in L80. In leaves, DAPs involved in the response to oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and photosynthesis represented the main differences between P2 and L80. In roots, DAPs involved in nitrate transport, ammonium assimilation, and amino acid metabolism seem to have contributed to the improved NUE in P2. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying NUE and opens avenues for molecular breeding aimed at selecting superior genotypes for the development of a more sustainable agriculture.

INSTRUMENT(S): Synapt MS

ORGANISM(S): Zea Mays (maize)

TISSUE(S): Root, Leaf

SUBMITTER: Vitor Pinto  

LAB HEAD: Vitor Batista Pinto

PROVIDER: PXD048990 | Pride | 2025-03-11

REPOSITORIES: Pride