Effect of a newly synthesized compound on delaying pre-harvest sprouting in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) of wheat commonly occurs in rainy or humid weather conditions before harvest. It not only affects the yield but also decreases the wheat quality and seed value. As the most important grain crop in the world, reducing PHS and improving the yield and quality of wheat is essential. In this study, a new compound of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) analog, N-(2, 4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(3-oxo-2-pentylcyclopentyl) acetamide, was synthesized and its effect on PHS tested. Concentration screening of the new compound showed that [1500 mg L−1 N-(2, 4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(3-oxo-2-pentylcyclopentyl) acetamide + 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + 0.1% penetrant (T2)] was suitable for inhibiting PHS. Exogenously applied T2 effectively inhibited seed germination and increased abscisic acid (ABA) and decreased gibberellin (GA) concentration. These changes in endogenous hormones led to a significant reduction in α-amylase activity. The results of RNA-Seq and quantitative real-time PCR indicated that expression of genes encoding biosynthesis and catabolism of ABA, GA and α-amylase had a consistent trend with the results of hormone concentrations and α-amylase activity. In conclusion, application of T2 can delay PHS by 2 to 3 days through changing of endogenous hormones to significantly decrease the α-amylase activity and ensure the vigor of wheat seed. These findings can provide some help for the development of a retardant to prevent PHS.