Metabolomic Variability of Different Soybean Genotypes: β-Carotene-Enhanced (Glycine max), Wild (Glycine soja), and Hybrid (Glycine max x Glycine soja) Soybeans

We obtained a new hybrid soybean (Hybrid) by hybridizing beta-carotene-enhanced soybean (BCE; Glycine max L.) containing the phytoene synthase-2A-carotene desaturase gene and wild-type soybean (Wild; Glycine soja). To investigate metabolic changes between variants, we performed metabolic profiling of leaves (three growth stages) and seeds. Multivariate analyses revealed significant metabolic differences between genotypes in seeds and leaves, with seeds showing accumulation of phytosterols, tocopherols, and carotenoids (BCE only), indicating co-induction of the methylerythritol 4-phosphate and mevalonic acid pathways. Additionally, Hybrid produced intermediate levels of carotenoids and high levels of amino acids. Principal component analysis revealed metabolic discrimination between growth stages of soybean leaves and identified differences in leaf groups according to different genotypes at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, with Wild showing higher levels of environmental stress-related compounds relative to BCE and Hybrid leaves. The metabolic profiling approach could be a useful tool to identify metabolic links in various soybean cultivars.

Automated summary

Metabolic profiling revealed significant metabolic differences between the new hybrid soybean and wild-type soybean, with the hybrid showing accumulation of phytosterols, tocopherols, and carotenoids in seeds. Additionally, differences in metabolic profiles of leaves were observed between different genotypes at different growth stages, with wild-type soybean showing higher levels of stress-related compounds compared to BCE and Hybrid. This approach could be a useful tool in identifying metabolic links in various soybean cultivars.