Elucidating the systemic response of wheat plants under waterlogging based on transcriptomic and metabolic approaches
Extreme weather conditions lead to significant imbalances in crop productivity, which in turn affect food security. Flooding events cause serious problems to many crop species such as wheat. Although metabolic readjustments under flooding are important for plant regeneration, underlying processes remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the systemic response of wheat to waterlogging using metabolomics and transcriptomics. A 12-days exposure to excess water triggered nutritional imbalances and disruption of metabolite synthesis and translocation, reflected by reduction of plant biomass and growth performance. Metabolic and transcriptomic profiling in roots, xylem sap and leaves indicated anaerobic fermentation processes as a local response of the roots.  The experiment consisted of exposing wheat plants to waterlogging during 12 days by holding the plants with excess water about 5 cm above the soil surface. Fully developed leaves and roots were collected at day 12 from control and waterlogged plants, n=8. Fully developed leaves were collected at tillering stage and used for biochemical analysis and RNA sequencing (see also treatment).