Response of quality differences of winter wheat from different origins to meteorological factors based on metabolomics

Quality indicators and chemical composition, combined with meteorological data, were used to elucidate wheat quality differences between two Chinese provinces (Xinjiang and Henan), and the response mechanism to climate was explained. The contents of crude protein (13.37 ± 1.51 g/100 g), amylose (19.58 ± 0.86 g/100 g), and crude fat (1.37 ± 0.18 g/100 g) in Xinjiang wheat were higher than those in Henan wheat. The metabolites of wheat from two provinces were characterized to comprehensively analyze their responses to climate. Xinjiang wheat accumulated lipids and phenols to adapt to high temperatures. The alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism pathway was significantly upregulated in Henan wheat in response to low temperature conditions. Temperature and sunlight were the main influencing factors and were significantly correlated with most differential metabolites. This study provided a theoretical basis for quality control and geographical origin identification of winter wheat under climate change.