Analysis of primary metabolites in leaf, stem and root of sugarcane (Sacharumm spp.) subjected to water stress

• Grant number: 15/06928-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): June 01, 2015
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Plant Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Alberto Labate
• Grantee: Ana Cláudia Pereira Cuenca
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is a highly productive C4 grass that has become an important bioenergy crop worldwide. The viability of water is the limiting factor for the production of sugarcane, creating osmotic and ionic stresses to the plant, thus limiting their production. Water stress is the most important factor limiting plant growth, its reproductive system and its development, which can compromise its survival. Thus, studies aimed at increased tolerance of sugarcane to water stress are needed to provide tools that allow the sugarcane cultivation in areas prone to drought. In this context, the study of primary metabolism of plants is of paramount importance, allowing the understanding of the chemical processes which relate directly on the survival, growth and reproduction of plants. Primary metabolites are potentially useful phenotypic markers in understanding the regulatory processes found in sugarcane that are associated with water stress, which can aid in the improvement of sugarcane for tolerance to this type of stress. In this project, we intend to identify and evaluate primary metabolites found in root, stem and leaf of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Cv SP80-3280) subjected to water stress. Potential metabolites can be found and eventually used as molecular markers associated with drought stress in breeding not only of sugarcane, as well as in other agronomic crops.