Advances in metabolomics research for germplasm improvement and adaptation

Metabolites include molecules of primary cell metabolism which are common across many organisms, for example carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids; as well as molecules of secondary metabolism which may be highly specific to certain organisms. These molecules may have a wide range of properties, for example plant flavonols and saponins, microbial polyketide antibiotics. The profiling of metabolic variation in the composition of crop species is a useful tool to assay the interaction of genetic background, breeding method, growing environment (site, season), particularly for metabolites relevant to human and animal health and nutrition. Many quality traits could be predicted from the metabolic composition independently of the population structure. Large-scale metabolomics analysis of quantitative trait loci in rice germplasm has investigated how genetic backgrounds are associated with metabolic phenotypes in rice grains. A study of a core collection of forage legume biserrula germplasm collection, has revealed a broad range of methanogenic potential, suggesting the availability of a considerable scope for genetic improvement of this forage species. Also, the use of untargeted metabolite analyses has provided clues as to potential target compounds for the future selection of drought tolerant ryegrass germplasm.