Polyphenols and phytohormones profiling of pre-harvest sprouting resistant and susceptible wheat genotypes

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is one of the major threats to global food security as it significantly affects cereals’ production and quality. PHS tolerance depends on diverse factors, among which phytohormones and germination-inhibitory substances (GISs) play essential roles. However, in wheat, information related to GIS in the glume is scarce. Thus, we applied LC–MS/MS-based metabolomics analysis to explore the polyphenols and phytohormones profiles of two contrasting wheat genotypes, Lincang Hulled Wheat (LHW, PHS-resistant) and Yunmai53 (Yun53, PHS-highly susceptible). Physiological tests revealed that LHW PHS-resistance is not associated with the ability of its spikelet to prevent water absorption. The total polyphenol content of the spikes and shells of LHW was significantly higher than that of Yun53, respectively. In total, 214 phenolic compounds classified mainly into phenolic acids (42.52%), flavones (23.83%), and flavonoid carbonosides (16.36%) were identified. 180 differentially accumulated polyphenols (DAPs) were uncovered, including 168 up-regulated in LHW. 24 most up-regulated DAPs (Log2FC ≥ 8) were unveiled as potential candidate GISs. Of the identified phytohormones, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid exhibited significantly higher content in LHW compared to Yun53. Whereas, Yun53 contained significantly higher levels of ethylene and gibberellin than LHW. Our findings offer new resources for PHS control in wheat.