UHPLC-HRMS Reveals the Role of Botanicals in Amending Wheat Growth Through the Induction of Bioactive Compounds Involved in Hormones Biosynthesis, Antioxidant Defense and Membrane Stability

Abstract

Gaining agricultural production also maintaining soil fertility is an essential practice in long-term food security. At present excessive use of agrochemicals and synthetic fertilizers, especially in developing nations, is threatening ecosystem functioning. Botanicals containing bioactive compounds are emerging as natural biostimulants capable of regulating the metabolism and physiology of plants towards growth and stress tolerance. The present study evaluates the growth eliciting effects of selected Himalayan botanicals (Colebrookea oppositifolia and Digitalis purpurea) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in Indian farms. Untargeted UHPLC-HRMS metabolomic profiling of wheat leaves revealed that botanical treatments significantly modulated the wheat metabolic profile, leading to enhanced synthesis of secondary metabolites viz phenols, flavonoids and terpenoids, along with augmenting the levels of amino acids, fatty acids, and lipids.  The metabolomic profile revealed a treatment-driven shift characterized by enhanced antioxidants, membrane stabilizing compounds and hormone-linked regulatory compounds, collectively suggesting an integrated response supporting oxidative stress mitigation, membrane stability, and altered hormone-related signalling, indicating improved physiological function. The findings suggest that Himalayan botanicals promote wheat growth and development by reprogramming metabolic pathways, offering a sustainable alternative to reduce dependence on synthetic inputs.