How the cells were injured and the secondary metabolites in the shikimate pathway were changed by boron deficiency in trifoliate orange root

Boron (B) deficiency is frequently observed in citrus orchards as a major cause for loss of productivity and quality. The structural and morphological responses of roots to B deficiency have been reported in some plants. The study was conducted to get novel information about the B-deficient-induced cellular injuries and target secondary metabolites in the shikimate pathway. Fluorescent vital staining, paraffin section, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and target metabolomics were to investigate the responses of the cell viability and structure, and target aromatic metabolites in the shikimate pathway in B-deficient trifoliate orange roots. Boron deprivation-induced ROS accumulation accelerated the membrane peroxidation, resulting in weakened cell vitality and cell rupture in roots. In addition, B deficiency increased phenylalanine (Phe), tyrosine (Try) in roots, thereby promoting the biosynthesis of salicylic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid. B-starvation up-regulated salicylic acid and lignin while reduced 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) content. These adverse effects might be involved in the structural and morphological changes in B-deficient roots. What is more, the results provide a new insight into the mechanism of B deficiency-induced structural damage and elongation inhibition on roots.