Metabolite Profiles of Energy Cane and Sugarcane Reveal Different Strategies During the Axillary Bud Outgrowth

Abstract Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is one of the most well-known plants which possesses a large accumulation of sucrose. Another cultivar, energy cane, is an interspecific hybrid with higher fiber and lower sugar content than sugarcane. Commercial cultivation of sugarcane and energy cane is carried out by vegetative propagation, through the distribution of culm segments (setts) or pre-sprouted seedlings (PSS). In this context, the metabolism of axillary bud outgrowth is crucial for cultures that use vegetative propagation. In this work, we evaluate the metabolic profile of sugarcane and energy cane in the early hours during the axillary bud outgrowth. Sugarcane showed few metabolic changes, except for the significant increase in glutamate levels, which may be associated with root formation in the culm. In contrast, energy cane presented significant changes in amino acid catabolism, increased levels of reducing sugars, lipids, and metabolite activity in the phenylpropanoid pathway. These results together reveal changes in the energy and redox status of the cell, electron transport for the TCA cycle, and an increase in compounds related to cell wall formation and growth in energy cane. Our study provides new insights on the regulation of the axillary bud of species of the Saccharum complex.