Turnover of Benzoxazinoids during the Aerobic Deterioration of Maize Silage (Zea mays)

Abstract

While plant-specialized metabolites can affect mammal health, their fate during the aerobic deterioration of crop silage remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the metabolization of benzoxazinoids (BXs) in silages of two maize genotypes (W22 wild type and bx1 mutant line) during aerobic deterioration. In W22 plants, concentrations of the aglucone BXs DIMBOA and HMBOA in silage decreased over time upon air exposure, while concentrations of MBOA and BOA increased. Mutant plants had low levels of BXs, which did not significantly vary over time. Aerobic stability was BX-dependent, as pH and counts of yeasts and molds were higher in W22 compared to that in bx1 silage. The nutrient composition was not affected by BXs. These preliminary results may be used to estimate the amounts of BXs provided to farm animals via silage feeding. However, further research is warranted under different harvest and storage conditions.

Isolation and Structure Determination of Drought-Induced Multihexose Benzoxazinoids from Maize (Zea mays)

“…Benzoxazinoids (BXDs) are plant specialized metabolites that modulate plant nutrition, reproduction, interactions with microbes, and defenses against herbivores . They are commonly found in cereals and frequently recorded in wholegrain cereal products. − BXDs can have cascading effects on food quality and human health, and their consumption is associated with anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. , Understanding the different molecular structures of BXDs is crucial for improving the reliability and robustness of analytical methods, for identifying their underlying biosynthesis genes, and ultimately, for comprehending their potential influence on human health. , …”