Proteomic analysis demonstrates that Bidens pilosa root exudates differentially impact Pteris multifida gametophyte growth

Abstract

Abstract The Novel Weapon Hypothesis (NWH) implicates root exudates as a primary factor for successful take over and destruction of native flora by invasive species. However, the precise mechanisms by which invasive species root exudates mediate this impact are unclear. This study compares and evaluates specific allelochemical impacts on native plants under invasive pressure. Specifically, after 10 days’ exposure, a label-free proteomics was applied to analyze the proteins and responsive pathway in Pteris multifida gametophyte upon exposure to two Bidens pilosa root exudates, undecane and palmitic acid. And each treatment has three biological replicates. The data show that 2183 proteins were detected in the untreated P. multifida gametophyte; 1911 proteins in the gametophyte treated with the undecane, and 2148 proteins in the gametophyte treated with palmitic acid. After exposure for 10 days, undecane treated gametophytes exhibited morphological anomalies and exhibited chlorosis; palmitic acid exposure induced no such effects, although development was delayed relative to the control. Using GO functional protein analysis and KEGG pathways detection, we found that the root exudates played different roles on gammopathy growth. Undecane down regulated fatty acid biosynthesis, damaging the cell and chloroplast membrane, and ultimately leading to cell death. Palmitic acid down regulated flavonoid biosynthesis, compromising the gametophyte photosystem and increasing oxidative stress risk. These findings align with NWH, indicating that the exudate release profile is important to the invasion of non-native species, and have implications for the successful management and control of invasive plant species in agriculture and environment.