Metabolomic analyses of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. 'Aohan') reproductive organs under boron deficiency and surplus conditions

Boron (B) deficiency and surplus are the main factors that affect plant growth and yield. A better understanding of the response mechanisms of plant reproductive organs to stress induced by B deficiency and surplus could provide new insights to potential strategies for improving seed yield and quality. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of tolerance to B-induced stress in the reproductive organs of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. 'Aohan'). We initially used five B concentrations (0 mg B L-1, 400 mg B L-1, 800 mg B L-1, 1200 mg B L-1, and 1600 mg B L-1) to determine the B deficient, sufficient, and surplus levels in the field. Secondly, we examined changes in metabolite profiles of alfalfa 'Aohan' reproductive organs in response to B deficiency (0 mg B L-1), B sufficiency (800 mg B L-1), and B surplus (1600 mg B L-1) conditions using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Flowers and seeds from alfalfa 'Aohan' showed different metabolite profiles and resistance capacity under B deficiency and surplus conditions. B deficiency led to the excessive accumulation of sugars and phenolic compounds in alfalfa 'Aohan' and seeds, respectively, thus causing abscission or the abortion of reproductive organs. In contrast, B surplus severely reduced the levels of metabolites associated with amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, resulting in the flowers falling and, therefore, low seed yield. Overall, B deficiency predominantly reduced seed yield and quality of alfalfa 'Aohan', while B surplus mainly affected seed yield of alfalfa 'Aohan'.