Comprehensive analysis of transcriptional data on seed germination of two maize inbred lines under low-temperature conditions.

Seed germination directly affect maize yield and grain quality. Low-temperature reduces maize yield by affecting seed germination and seedling growth. However, the molecular mechanism of maize seed germination under low-temperature remains unclear. In this study, the transcriptome data of two maize inbred lines SCL127 (chilling-sensitive) and SCL326 (chilling-tolerant) were analyzed at five time points (0 H, 4 H, 12 H, 24 H, and 48 H) under low-temperature conditions. Through the comparison of SCL127-0 H-vs-SCL326-0 H (Group I), SCL127-4 H-vs-SCL326-4 H (Group Ⅱ), SCL127-12 H-vs-SCL326-12 H (Group Ⅲ), SCL127-24 H-vs-SCL326-24 H (Group Ⅳ), and SCL127-48 H-vs SCL326-48 H (Group Ⅴ), a total of 8,526 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. Weighted correlation network analysis revealed that Zm00001d010445 was the hub gene involved in seed germination under low-temperature conditions. Zm00001d010445-based association analysis showed that Hap Ⅱ (G) was the excellent haplotype for seed germination under low-temperature conditions. These findings provide a new perspective for the study of the genetic architecture of maize tolerance to low-temperature and contribute to the cultivation of maize varieties with low-temperature tolerance.