Work

Comprehensive analysis of biochemical compounds, chemical elements and metabolites modifications in maize plants infected with maize rayado fino virus (MRFV)

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Maize cultivation is pivotal globally, particularly in Latin America, where the corn stunt complex pathosystem, primarily featuring the maize rayado fino virus (MRFV), poses significant challenges. Transmitted by the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis, MRFV inflicts substantial harm on maize crops, detrimentally affecting both yield and grain quality. Despite its widespread impact, the intricate interplay within this tritrophic relationship remains poorly understood. We inoculated maize plants, which were weekly evaluated the effects of MRFV infection in planta regarding biochemical modifications, chemical elements and metabolites. The set of analyses showed that MRFV infection does not precipitate significant alterations in chlorophyll content, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compounds within maize plant. However, it does prompt noteworthy shifts in enzyme activities associated with plant defense mechanisms and modifies the concentration of chemical elements within plants. Additionally, it exerts a negative regulatory influence on plant metabolites. Maize plants react to D. maidis herbivory by modulating both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities, as well as chemical compounds. Our findings offer crucial insights into the responses of MRFV-infected maize and sheds light on parameters to be used on the search of rayado fino viral disease resistance aimed at protecting maize crops, ensuring the safety and sustainability of production.

Source: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmpp.2024.102457