Changes in mineral nutrient concentrations and C‐N metabolism in cabbage shoots and roots following macronutrient deficiency

Abstract

The responses of metabolic networks to mineral deficiency are poorly understood. Here, we conducted a detailed, broad‐scale analysis of macronutrient concentrations and metabolic changes in the shoots and roots of cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) plants in response to N, P, K, Ca, and Mg deficiency in nutrient solution. To standardize individual macronutrient‐deficient treatments, the concentrations of the other nutrients were maintained via substitution with other ions. Individual nutrient deficiencies had various effects on the uptake and accumulation of other mineral nutrients. Phosphorus deficiency had relatively little effect on other mineral nutrient levels compared to the other treatments. Cation deficiency had little effect on N and P concentrations but had a somewhat negative effect on the uptake or concentrations of the other nutrients. Primary metabolic pathways, such as energy production and amino acid metabolism, were greatly affected by mineral nutrient deficiency. Compared to the control treatment, soluble sugar levels increased under –N conditions and decreased under –Ca and –Mg conditions. The levels of several organic acids involved in glycolysis and the TCA cycle decreased in response to –N, –P, or –K treatment. The levels of most amino acids decreased under ‐ N treatment but increased under –P, –K, –Ca, or –Mg treatment. Mineral depletion also led to the activation of alternative biochemical pathways resulting in the production of secondary metabolites such as quinate. Notable changes in metabolic pathways under macronutrient deficiency included (1) a quantitative increase in amino acid levels in response to Mg deficiency, likely because the restriction of various pathways led to an increase in protein production and (2) a marked increase in the levels of quinate, a precursor of the shikimate pathway, following cation (K, Ca, and Mg) deficiency. These findings provide new insights into metabolic changes in cabbage in response to mineral deficiency and pave the way for studying the effects of the simultaneous deficiency of more than one macronutrient on this crop.

Dynamics of Short-Term Metabolic Profiling in Radish Sprouts (Raphanus sativus L.) in Response to Nitrogen Deficiency

“…Under the N limited condition, the growth and biomass of shoots were reduced, and the growth of roots was enhanced in Arabidopsis , cabbage, and rice [12,13,14,15,24]. In this study, under –N condition, the fresh weight of radish sprouts was reduced as in previous studies.…”

“…In Arabidopsis plants grown under –N condition, the total protein, and chlorophyll content, and fresh weight were decreased, and the content of anthocyanins, primary root length, and lateral root number were increased [13,14]. In cabbage, the growth was inhibited under –N condition, and the levels of most amino acids and organic acids were decreased compared to that under normal conditions [15].…”

Effects of Nutrient and Water Supply During Fruit Development on Metabolite Composition in Tomato Fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Grown in Magnesium Excess Soils

“…The primary metabolites were measured using a non-targeted metabolomics using a comprehensive approach to evaluate different metabolomes under a specific set of conditions ( Son et al, 2016 ). We have previously applied the method to investigate metabolic changes in various crops, including tomato plants, in response to varying environmental factors, such as light or mineral nutrient supply ( Jung et al, 2013 ; Sung et al, 2015 ; Kim et al, 2018 ; Sung et al, 2018 ).…”

Influence of spermine and nitrogen deficiency on growth and secondary metabolites accumulation in Castilleja tenuiflora Benth. cultured in a RITA® temporary immersion system

“…In a study with Oryza sativa L. it was shown that the levels of some phenolic acids were increased in plants with ND, in particular, the levels of p ‐coumaric acid and ferulic acid . It has also been reported that in shoots and roots of cabbage ( Brassica rapa L.) under ND, alternative biochemical pathways are activated that lead to the production of secondary metabolites such as quinate, which is a precursor of the shikimato pathway . Some of these events are correlated with an increase of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity , a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds.…”