The Metabolomic Approach to the Comparative Analysis of Wild and Cultivated Species of Oats (Avena L.)

Abstract—Seed metabolomic profiles are investigated in the wild and cultivated forms (cultivars) of oats (Avena L.). Seed accessions from the Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) oat collection were used for the research. Metabolomic analysis is performed using gas liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GLC-MS) with an Agilent 6850 chromatograph (United States). The composition and content of organic and fatty acids, amino acids, polyhydric alcohols, and sugars are analyzed. The content fluctuation range for the studied groups of compounds is found to be narrower (significantly in some cases) in cultivars than in the wild species. Along with a sharp increase in the content of oleic acid, the cultivars demonstrated a decrease in the content of linoleic acid. The general conclusions from the comparison of seed metabolomic profiles in wild species and cultivars are presented below. A number of wild species can be recommended as a potential source of biochemical quality traits for breeding purposes. A series of metabolites (compounds), the content of which changes during domestication or which differentiate wild oats from cultivars is identified. Along with such well-known chemical factors such as oleic acid, glucose, and fructose, monoacylglycerol compounds (MAG 16:0, MAG-2 18:2, etc.) are also found in healthy food. The latter is assumed to be related to the formation of adaptive traits, in particular, resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental abiotic stresses.