Untargeted metabolomics reveals key metabolites and genes underlying salinity tolerance mechanisms in maize.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the physiological, metabolic, and genetic mechanisms underlying salt tolerance is essential for improving crop resilience and productivity, yet their complex interactions remain poorly defined. We compared physiological and metabolic responses to salinity between two contrasting maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines: the salt-sensitive C68 and the salt-tolerant NC326. The sensitivity of C68 was characterized by reduced shoot and root dry weights and plant height, high tissue accumulation of Na and Cl but low K, and lower leaf proline accumulation compared to the salt-tolerant NC326. Untargeted metabolomics identified 56 metabolites categorized as constitutively upregulated or salt-responsive. In NC326, constitutive accumulation of flavonoids, including schaftoside, tricin, and kae

SUBMITTER: Brar MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12457813 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature