Genetic markers associated with seed longevity and vitamin E in diverse Aus rice varieties

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Vitamin E is known to scavenge lipid peroxy radicals and has a purported role in preventing seed deterioration during storage. In our previous studies using 20 rice varieties from different variety groups, the specific ratio of vitamin E homologues rather than total vitamin E content was associated with seed longevity. To validate this result, we extended the experiment to a rice panel composed of 185 Aus (semi-wild rice) varieties. Seed longevity values were determined through storage experiments at 45°C and 10.9% seed moisture content (MC). Eight types of vitamin E homologues (α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherol/tocotrienol) were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. The theoretical initial viability in NED, <jats:italic>K</jats:italic><jats:sub>i</jats:sub>, was positively correlated with γ- and δ-tocopherols and negatively correlated with α-tocotrienol. The time for viability to fall to 50% during storage at elevated temperature and relative humidity, <jats:italic>p</jats:italic><jats:sub>50</jats:sub>, was positively correlated with δ-tocopherol. The harvest MC was negatively correlated with all seed longevity traits. Taking this factor into account in a genome-wide association (GWA) analysis, we were able to correct false positives. A consistent major peak on chromosome 4 associated with −σ<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> was detected with a mixed linear analysis. Based on rice genome annotation and gene network ontology databases, we suggest that RNA modification, oxidation–reduction, protein–protein interactions and abscisic acid signal transduction play roles in seed longevity extension of Aus rice. Although major GWA regions were not overlapped across traits, three genetic markers, on chromosomes 1, 3 and 4, were associated with both δ-tocopherol and <jats:italic>K</jats:italic><jats:sub>i</jats:sub> and two markers on chromosome 1 and 8 were associated with both δ-tocopherol and <jats:italic>p</jats:italic><jats:sub>50</jats:sub>.</jats:p>

Seed coat lignification level is crucial in Capsicum spp seed longevity

“…One of the pioneering studies using molecular biology technics to investigate seed longevity demonstrated that vitamin E is essential for this trait due to its ability to reduce the oxidation of reserve lipids in Arabidopsis (Sattler, 2004). In addition, three different studies concluded that tocopherols play an important role in extending seed viability in rice (Chen et al 2016, Hwang et al, 2014, Lee et al, 2020). In our transcriptomic study, the expression of VTE1 expression was similar in the three accessions analyzed.…”

Antioxidant and Signaling Role of Plastid-Derived Isoprenoid Quinones and Chromanols

“…The difference in gene expression between the wild type and the vte1 mutant indicates that not all functions of Toc in germinating seeds can be fulfilled by DMPBQ [ 98 ]. Interestingly, it has been shown recently that seed longevity is associated with a high proportion of γ- and δ-tocochromanol homologues, rather than total tocochromanol content, in several rice cultivars [ 100 , 101 ].…”

Variation in Seed Metabolites between Two Indica Rice Accessions Differing in Seed Longevity

“…We would like to recommend that metabolite analysis using advanced QTOF mass spectrometry may provide enhanced metabolic information as compared with single mass spectrometry and hence could speed up the discovery of physiological mechanisms for traits such as seed longevity. The identified SNP markers regulating flavonols and consequent seed germination after storage can promote both seed longevity research and routine operations in genebanks [ 1 , 25 , 26 ]. Based on the presence or absence of particular markers associated with seed longevity traits, genebank managers can adjust the interval for seed viability monitoring and regeneration.…”