Crop genetic diversity uncovers metabolites, elements and decentralized networks associated with high plant biomass yields in maize (Zea mays L.). RECONSTRUCT

Rapid population growth and increasing demand for human food, animal feed, and bioenergy in an era of unprecedented climate change require breeding for increased biomass production in the world's croplands. To accelerate breeding programs, Knowledge about the relationship between the building blocks of biomass and underlying gene networks is needed for directing future breeding efforts. To this end, multi-omics datasets were generated using the genetically distinct maize lines, all grown in long-term organic and conventional cropping systems. Analysis of the datasets, integrated using regression modeling and network analysis revealed genes, gene networks, key metabolites, and elements that their levels during vegetative growth underlie the buildup of plant biomass at the reproductive stage. Surprisingly, we found that S and P levels in the source leaf and P levels in the root during vegetative stage had the highest contribution in predicting plant biomass at the reproductive stage. In agreement with gene ontology enrichment analysis, the cis motifs and identified transcription factors associated with up-regulated genes under phosphate starvation (PS) revealed a large genetic diversity in response to PS in selected lines. Our data provide substantial evidences suggesting that genetically programmed uptake, assimilation, and tissue-specific allocation of essential nutrient elements (C and N) during vegetative growth play an important role in increasing the absorptive area of nutrients at the root-soil interface. These integrative multi-omics results revealed key factors underlying maize productivity and open new opportunities for efficient, rapid and cost-effective plant breeding for increased biomass yield of cereal crops under adverse environmental factors.