Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.6, 284-293 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 289 The WGCNA method shows that tolerant maize varieties form large stable network clusters which connect to salt response traits but sensitive lines generate fragmented networks with few metabolite hubs that regulate core functions. The tolerant maize exhibits better saline environment resistance because its metabolic pathways maintain homeostasis at the cellular level. Figure 2 Comparative metabolomic profiling of salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive maize genotypes (Adapted from Brar et al., 2025). Principal component analysis (PCA) and volcano plots highlight metabolite differences such as proline, raffinose, and flavonoids between tolerant and sensitive genotypes 5.3 Metabolite biomarkers offer potential for breeding applications The main result of comparative metabolomics research leads to the discovery of biomarkers which show strong association with salt tolerance. Plants show salt tolerance through three specific markers which include elevated proline levels and raffinose content and particular lipid patterns that include linolenic acid elevation and phosphatidylcholine modifications (Liang et al., 2021; Wu et al., 2024; Brar et al., 2025). The biomarkers function as (i) screening tools for fast maize germplasm assessment under saline environments and (ii) selection criteria for breeding programs to speed up the creation of tolerant crop varieties. Metabolite biomarkers serve as functional indicators which extend beyond traditional morphological characteristics because they show direct evidence of biochemical salt stress adaptation in plants.
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