title: Metabolic robustness in young roots underpins a predictive model of maize hybrid performance in the field.
abstract: Heterosis has been extensively exploited for yield gain in maize (Zea mays L.). Here we conducted a comparative metabolomics-based analysis of young roots from in vitro germinating seedlings and from leaves of field-grown plants in a panel of inbred lines from the Dent and Flint heterotic patterns as well as selected F1hybrids. We found that metabolite levels in hybrids were more robust than in inbred lines. Using state-of-the-art modeling techniques, the most robust metabolites from roots and leaves explained up to 37 and 44% of the variance in the biomass from plants grown in two distinct field trials. In addition, a correlation-based analysis highlighted the trade-off between defense-related metabolites and hybrid performance. Therefore, our findings demonstrated the potential of metabolic profiles from young maize roots grown under tightly controlled conditions to predict hybrid performance in multiple field trials, thus bridging the greenhouse-field gap.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: de Abreu E Lima
authors.affiliation: Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 21, 70593, Stuttgart, Germany.
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Westhues
authors.affiliation: metaSysX GmbH, Am Mühlenberg 11, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
authors.forename: Álvaro
authors.initials: Á
authors.lastname: Cuadros-Inostroza
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
authors.forename: Lothar
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Willmitzer
authors.affiliation: Institute of Plant Breeding, Seed Science and Population Genetics, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 21, 70593, Stuttgart, Germany.
authors.forename: Albrecht E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Melchinger
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
authors.forename: Zoran
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Nikoloski
mesh_terms: D018533:Biomass; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D055432:Metabolomics / Q000379:methods; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D036226:Seedlings / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D003313:Zea mays / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: 
  Zea mays
  ; hybrid performance; metabolomics; prediction; robustness