Fruiting Stage Research Articles

Characterization of aroma dynamic changes during six developing stages of yellow cultivar Flammulina filiformis based on E-Nose, GC×GC-TOF MS, GC-IMS, and GC-O-MS

The aroma volatiles of Flammulina filiformis (F. filiformis) had notably dynamic changes during various developing stages. However, the dynamic fingerprints of the overall aroma volatiles during mushroom development remained largely unknown in F. filiformis. The purpose of this study was to characterize the dynamic changes in the aroma volatiles of yellow cultivar F. filiformis using E-Nose, GC-MS/O, GC-IMS, and GC × GC-TOF MS. A total of 140 volatiles were characterized (about 59% by GC × GC-TOF MS). Phenylacetaldehyde, 2-octenal, hexanal, nonanal, 2,4-decadienal, β-citronellol, 3-octanone, 1-octen-3-one, 2-methylpropyl butanoate, limonene, and 2-pentyl-furan were identified as key aroma compounds. The richness of odorants (numbers and concentrations) was most abundant during the initial stage of fruiting (with a fruity note). The concentrations of C8 volatiles and ketones gradually decreased before the mature stage, followed by a slight increase (with mushroom and sweet notes). An excellent correlation was observed between the changes in aroma attributes corresponding to odorants. Furthermore, the correlation between the volatile contents could be well explained by metabolic pathways (unsaturated fatty acids, β-oxidation of saturated fatty acids, and Ehrlich pathways for amino acids). Overall, this study provides insights into the metabolic pathways of volatiles potential for aroma quality enhancement in F. filiformis.

Comparative transcriptomic study of matured fruit and post-fruit developmental stages in Malaysian durian varieties

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) is a famous tropical fruit in Malaysia and well-known for its sweet and creamy taste and unique strong aroma. Despite the differences, durian fruit undergo similar fruit developmental stages upon maturity. However, not much information related to metabolic changes at molecular level are available for fruit development in durian. Hence, the aim of this study was to identify and analyze fruit development transcriptomic changes on six commercial durian varieties (D24, D99, D160, D168, D197, and D200). The transcriptome analysis via RNA-seq assays generated 67 to 234 million raw reads, which are assembled into 49,601 genes with protein coding genes as the largest gene biotype, with a total of 35,832 genes (72.2%). All genes were annotated against Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). GO analysis revealed genes were highly linked to biological process, cellular components and molecular function, with the highest representation in cell wall, while the most common pathways identified by KEGG were carotenoid biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and galactose metabolism. Important changes were found in abscisic acid and lignin accumulation, which associated with post-harvest response and concurrent colour change. Moreover, significant increase in butyric acid, palmitoyl-CoA and different forms of sugars were associated with buttery smell, creamy texture, and sweetness respectively. Thus, mass sequence data and expression profiling provide an insight into molecular mechanisms for durian fruit developmental process. This study aims to enhance comprehension of durian fruit development stages, including physiological, genetic, and molecular processes, to inform breeding, crop enhancement, and post-harvest strategies to meet consumer and agro-biotechnology demands.

Pepper catalase: a broad analysis of its modulation during fruit ripening and by nitric oxide.

Catalase is a major antioxidant enzyme located in plant peroxisomes that catalyzes the decomposition of H2O2. Based on our previous transcriptomic (RNA-Seq) and proteomic (iTRAQ) data at different stages of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruit ripening and after exposure to nitric oxide (NO) enriched atmosphere, a broad analysis has allowed us to characterize the functioning of this enzyme. Three genes were identified, and their expression was differentially modulated during ripening and by NO gas treatment. A dissimilar behavior was observed in the protein expression of the encoded protein catalases (CaCat1-CaCat3). Total catalase activity was down-regulated by 50% in ripe (red) fruits concerning immature green fruits. This was corroborated by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, where only a single catalase isozyme was identified. In vitro analyses of the recombinant CaCat3 protein exposed to peroxynitrite (ONOO-) confirmed, by immunoblot assay, that catalase underwent a nitration process. Mass spectrometric analysis identified that Tyr348 and Tyr360 were nitrated by ONOO-, occurring near the active center of catalase. The data indicate the complex regulation at gene and protein levels of catalase during the ripening of pepper fruits, with activity significantly down-regulated in ripe fruits. Nitration seems to play a key role in this down-regulation, favoring an increase in H2O2 content during ripening. This pattern can be reversed by the exogenous NO application. While plant catalases are generally reported to be tetrameric, the analysis of the protein structure supports that pepper catalase has a favored quaternary homodimer nature. Taken together, data show that pepper catalase is down-regulated during fruit ripening, becoming a target of tyrosine nitration, which provokes its inhibition.

Haplotype-resolved genome assembly for tetraploid Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus) offers insights into fruit firmness.

Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus) holds considerable importance as one of the primary stone fruit crops in China. However, artificially improving its traits and genetic analysis are challenging due to lack of high-quality genomic resources, which mainly result from difficulties associated with resolving its tetraploid and highly heterozygous genome. Herein, we assembled a chromosome-level, haplotype-resolved genome of the cultivar 'Zhuji Duanbing', comprising 993.69Mb assembled into 32 pseudochromosomes using PacBio HiFi, Oxford Nanopore, and Hi-C. Intra-haplotype comparative analyses revealed extensive intra-genomic sequence and expression consistency. Phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses demonstrated that P. pseudocerasus was a stable autotetraploid species, closely related to wild P. pusilliflora, with the two diverging ~18.34 million years ago. Similar to other Prunus species, P. pseudocerasus underwent a common whole-genome duplication event that occurred ~139.96 million years ago. Because of its low fruit firmness, P. pseudocerasus is unsuitable for long-distance transportation, thereby restricting its rapid development throughout China. At the ripe fruit stage, P. pseudocerasus cv. 'Zhuji Duanbing' was significantly less firm than P. avium cv. 'Heizhenzhu'. The difference in firmness is attributed to the degree of alteration in pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contents. In addition, comparative transcriptomic analyses identified GalAK-like and Stv1, two genes involved in pectin biosynthesis, which potentially caused the difference in firmness between 'Zhuji Duanbing' and 'Heizhenzhu'. Transient transformations of PpsGalAK-like and PpsStv1 increase protopectin content and thereby enhance fruit firmness. Our study lays a solid foundation for functional genomic studies and the enhancement of important horticultural traits in Chinese cherries.

Strawberry Yield Improvement by Hydrogen-Based Irrigation Is Functionally Linked to Altered Rhizosphere Microbial Communities.

Molecular hydrogen (H2) is crucial for agricultural microbial systems. However, the mechanisms underlying its influence on crop yields is yet to be fully elucidated. This study observed that H2-based irrigation significantly increased strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) yield with/without nutrient fertilization. The reduction in soil available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic matter was consistent with the increased expression levels of N/P/K-absorption-related genes in root tissues at the fruiting stage. Metagenomics profiling showed the alterations in rhizosphere microbial community composition achieved by H2, particularly under the conditions without fertilizers. These included the enrichment of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, such as Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, and Cupriavidus genera. Rhizobacteria with the capability to oxidize H2 (group 2a [NiFe] hydrogenase) were also enriched. Consistently, genes related to soil carbon (C) fixation (i.e., rbcL, porD, frdAB, etc.), dissimilar nitrate reduction (i.e., napAB and nrfAH), and P solublization, mineralization, and transportation (i.e., ppx-gppA, appA, and ugpABCE) exhibited higher abundance. Contrary tendencies were observed in the soil C degradation and N denitrification genes. Together, these results clearly indicate that microbe-mediated soil C, N, and P cycles might be functionally altered by H2, thus increasing plant nutrient uptake capacity and horticultural crop yield.

Identification and analysis of UGT genes associated with triterpenoid saponin in soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.)

BackgroundSoapberry (Sapindus mukorossi) is an economically important multifunctional tree species. Triterpenoid saponins have many functions in soapberry. However, the types of uridine diphosphate (UDP) glucosyltransferases (UGTs) involved in the synthesis of triterpenoid saponins in soapberry have not been clarified.ResultsIn this study, 42 SmUGTs were identified in soapberry, which were unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes and had sequence lengths of 450 bp to 1638 bp, with an average of 1388 bp. The number of amino acids in SmUGTs was 149 to 545, with an average of 462. Most SmUGTs were acidic and hydrophilic unstable proteins, and their secondary structures were mainly α-helices and random coils. All had conserved UDPGT and PSPG-box domains. Phylogenetic analysis divided them into four subclasses, which glycosylated different carbon atoms. Prediction of cis-acting elements suggested roles of SmUGTs in plant development and responses to environmental stresses. The expression patterns of SmUGTs differed according to the developmental stage of fruits, as determined by transcriptomics and RT-qPCR. Co-expression network analysis of SmUGTs and related genes/transcription factors in the triterpenoid saponin synthesis pathway was also performed. The results indicated potential roles for many transcription factors, such as SmERFs, SmGATAs and SmMYBs. A correlation analysis showed that 42 SmUGTs were crucial in saponin synthesis in soapberry.ConclusionsOur findings suggest optimal targets for manipulating glycosylation in soapberry triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis; they also provide a theoretical foundation for further evaluation of the functions of SmUGTs and analyses of their biosynthetic mechanisms.

Endophytic Microorganisms in Tomato Roots, Changes in the Structure and Function of the Community at Different Growing Stages.

This study analyzed flower bud differentiation and fruiting stages to investigate how the structure of the plant endophytic microbial community in the roots of tomatoes changes with plant senescence. Based on high-throughput sequencing technology, the diversity and relative abundance of endophytic microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) in tomato stems at different growth stages were analyzed. At the same time, based on LEfSe analysis, the differences in endophytic microorganisms in tomato stems at different growth stages were studied. Based on PICRUSt2 function prediction and FUNGuild, we predicted the functions of endophytic bacterial and fungal communities in tomato stems at different growth stages to explore potential microbial functional traits. The results demonstrated that not only different unique bacterial genera but also unique fungal genera could be found colonizing tomato roots at different growth stages. In tomato seedlings, flower bud differentiation, and fruiting stages, the functions of colonizing endophytes in tomato roots could primarily contribute to the promotion of plant growth, stress resistance, and improvement in nutrient cycling, respectively. These results also suggest that different functional endophytes colonize tomato roots at different growth stages.

Quantitative descriptors that contribute to variability in the F3 population of ornamental pepper

The diversity of peppers from the Capsicum genus has always enriched global cuisine and is currently driving the growth of the ornamental plants market. In this sense, breeding programs with ornamental peppers play a crucial role in the evolution of the ornamental market. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate genetic variability in an F3 population of ornamental pepper through principal component analysis (PCA) based on quantitative descriptors of ornamental interest and identify correlations between them through Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis. In the F3 generation of a genetic improvement program with ornamental pepper plants at the State University of Montes Claros, 200 genotypes were conducted. In these, four quantitative descriptors were evaluated: plant height (PH), fruiting stages (FS), production (PD) and average fruit mass (AFM). The data were subjected to normality and homogeneity of variance tests (p<0.05) and, subsequently, to principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate genetic diversity between genotypes. Analyzes were performed using PAST software. The PCA results demonstrated that the variables PD and PH were the ones that contributed most to PCA I, while for PCA II it was FS. In the Pearson correlation coefficient, it was observed that the most significant correlation occurred between the PH and PD variables. AFM and PD were negatively correlated, indicating that the greater the average fruit mass, the lower the number of fruits produced. The results of this study will open up opportunities for the development of new cultivars of ornamental peppers, which are cultivated mainly by small producers or family farmers.

Deciphering the role of fruit maturity, calcium and freezing on the nutritional and textural attributes of crisps from red guava

SummaryGuava (Psidiumguajava L.), being highly nutritious possesses commercial importance in the tropical and subtropical region of the world. The climacteric guava, however, records highest postharvest loss and needs to be processed for higher shelf life and utility. This study entails evaluation of fruit maturity stage and prior freezing for development of calcium enriched guava crisps through atmospheric frying. The sliced fruits (of three maturity stages) were subjected to vacuum impregnation to infuse maltodextrin, salt, ascorbic acid and calcium lactate. Fracturability and crispness was significantly affected by fruit maturity, freezing pre‐treatment and calcium impregnation. Freezing pre‐treatment enhanced the texture, decreased toughness and gave superior crisps with crunchy mouthfeel. While browning increased due to freezing pre‐treatment, calcium impregnation led to decreased browning. More than 15‐fold increase in the calcium content of crisps was realised upon 1% calcium lactate impregnation. The average ascorbic acid and lycopene retention in the crisps was 36.18 and 37.58%, respectively. Mature guava showed highest lycopene retention (43.07%) in crisps. Based on MANOVA analysis, all the main effects, two factor interaction and three factor interaction were statistically significant at 1% level. The first three PCs could explain 73.64% variation in data. The highest ascorbic acid retention, crispiness and sensory scores were recorded for crisps from ripe stage of guava fruits given freezing and calcium infusion pre‐treatments. Thus, ripe guava fruits could be converted to shelf stable and attractive crisps, which would provide essential nutrients and potential health benefits, ensuring off‐season availability of perishable guava in the form of crisps.

Exploring Host Resistance against Chilli Leaf Curl Disease in a Tolerant Chilli Genotype.

In tropical countries, combating leaf curl disease in hot peppers has become important in improvement programs. Leaf curl disease is caused by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) transmitted begomoviruses, which mainly include chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCV). However, multiple begomoviruses have also been found to be associated with this disease. The Capsicum annuum line, DLS-Sel-10, was found to be a tolerant source against this disease during field screening. In this study, we characterized the resistance of DLS-sel-10 against chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCV) in comparison to the susceptible cultivar Phule Mukta (PM), focusing on the level, stage, and nature of resistance. Comprehensive investigations involved screening of DLS-Sel-10 against the whitefly vector ChiLCV. The putative tolerant line displayed reduced virus infection at the seedling stage, with increasing resistance during vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages. Both DLS-Sel-10 and PM could be infected with ChiLCV, although DLS-Sel-10 remained symptomless. Insect feeding assays revealed DLS-Sel-10 as a less preferred host for whiteflies compared to PM. In conclusion, DLS-Sel-10 demonstrated tolerance not only to ChiLCV but also served as an unfavorable host for the whitefly vector. The study highlighted an age-dependent increase in tolerance within DLS-Sel-10, showcasing its potential for effective leaf curl disease management in chilli.

Population structure and risk assessment of invasive species Asystasia gangetica in urban area of Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Rosleine D, Khalishah AR. 2024. Population structure and risk assessment of invasive species Asystasia gangetica in urban area of Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2374-2381. Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anderson is a weed from Africa that has a high adaptation to wide ecological conditions. This research aims to assess the population structure of A. gangetica in Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia and to conduct risk assessment to determine management decisions. This research was conducted from January to February 2023 by establishing a total of 106 plots with size of 1 m2 to measure the population structure at adult and juvenile stages, and number of fruits. Plot sized 0.4 m2 was used to count the seed in a 10 cm soil depth. A risk assessment was conducted, which consisted of 12 questions of risk analysis (invasiveness, impact, and potential distribution) and 20 questions of management feasibility (control cost, distribution, and persistence). The results of principal component analysis and clustering analysis show three groups based on population structure (PC1 49.12% and PC2 28.44%). The first cluster consists of three sub-districts and shows a set of early colonized populations indicated by low juvenile stage, while the second cluster (14 sub-districts) and third cluster (13 sub-districts) show more established population yet still recently colonized, which is indicated with medium-high juvenile and reproductive (fruit) stage. The risk assessment results in 91.2 of the risk analysis score (medium) and 169.7 of the management feasibility score (negligible), implying the need to manage the site. Nevertheless, its wide-range of habitat tolerant and population characteristics potentially threaten biodiversity and harm the agricultural sector at once. Therefore, early countermeasure is needed as an effort to minimize greater risks in the future.

Study of the Pectinase Production from Soursop and Cherimoya Pulp for Agro-Industrial Waste Reduction in Colombia

Pectic enzymes are an eco-friendly alternative to improve extraction processes for the food industry. The objective of the research was to obtain pectinase from the pulp of soursop (Annona muricata L.) and cherimoya (Annona cherimola L.), as an alternative to reduce agro-industrial waste in Colombia; involving the study of the factors influencing the protein content of the enzymes extracted from different stages and types of fruits, the conditions for enzymatic activity, and the potential application in the food industry, particularly in extraction processes and juice clarification. A factorial design 23, spectrometric and potentiometric techniques evidenced that the protein content depends on factors such as fruit stage (suitable “s” and unsuitable “u” fruits for consumption) and fruit type (soursop and cherimoya). The higher protein content was obtained by the precipitation method in comparison to ion exchange chromatography. Cherimoya fruit presented a higher protein content of 326 ± 26 mg by precipitation, however, the soursop samples evidenced higher enzymatic activity, 2.2 ± 0.1 U/mL. The pectinase obtained was an acidic enzyme of type pectin methylesterase with an enzymatic activity of 27.0 ± 0.9 U/mL, under the optimal conditions of pH 4 and temperature of 40 °C. The application in blackberry juice evidenced a decrease in the absorbance and pH changes. From the current research, the pulp of soursop and cherimoya was proven as a cheap source to obtain pectinase with enzymatic activity for juice clarification, and this process is an alternative to reduce the negative impact on the environment and an economical source for the local producers.

Influence of successive cycles of water stress on tomato production at fruiting stage

Progressive reduction of water supply was imposed during early period (S1) and late period (S2) interceded by a recovery, with a moderate stress for first case and un intensive stress for second case, at fruiting stage of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Rio Grand). The influence of this reduction on fruit production, shoot growth, water content (WC), relative water content (RWC), leaf area (LA), specific leaf weight (SLW), total soluble solids of fruit (T.S.S.) and maturity percentage of fruit were investigated. Repetition of water stress (S1+S2) was obviously reducing the shoot growth, fresh yield, WC, LA and maturity percentage, whereas that was not achieved in dry weight of fruits (FDW), RWC, SLW and T.S.S. Since, a significant difference was founded between the effects of S2 cycle and when that has been preceded by another one S1+S2 on accumulation of dry matter of fruit. Two successive cycles of water stress were doubled of FDW by two times of that registered in control. These results indicate that, during fruiting stage, the effect of gradually exposure of a moderate water stress period, followed by recovery, thereafter by another gradually exposure of un intensive water stress period, contributed to better accumulation of dry matter in fruit by an osmotic adjusting therefore improving water use efficiency, compared to the effect of only one high intensive of water stress applied during the second period. Repetition cycle of water stress may be useful to develop management systems for a reasonable production of tomato and thus reducing the needs of irrigation water in regions facing deficit of water supplies.

Assessment of Drought Tolerance of Two Cultivars of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) Using Morphological and Physiological Parameters

Aims: Drought stress may affect the Morphology, biochemistry, growth, and physiology of Brassica juncea (Indian mustard), a low-cost, oil-yielding, and economically significant plant. In this paper assessing various growth, morphological, and physiological parameters under different irrigation regimes could offer some significant information for the selection of a suitable and appropriate genotype for breeding. Study Design: Two commonly grown cultivars (RH-725 and RH-749) of mustard in Haryana under four irrigation regimes were evaluated. The applied Irrigation regimes were: control (double irrigation: once at the 50% flowering and another at the 50% fruiting stages), early irrigation (at 50% flowering only), late irrigation (at 50% fruiting only), and stress (no irrigation). The plants were exposed to short-term water shortages during the vegetative and reproductive growth stages. Drought stress in both stages had a negative effect on the morphological and physiological parameters of mustard. Place and Duration of Study: An open field experiment was performed at the Nursery of Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India, located at the latitude of 290–95° north and longitude of 760–82° east, with a height of 258.4 m above sea level. Crop sown under field conditions from October to March for two consecutive years (2018-2019, 2019-2020) at a temperature of 30-32 °C (days) and 15-25 °C (nights). Methodology: Measured adaptability using 15 morphological, 4 physiological, and 7 different growth parameters. PCA data revealed that physiological and growth parameters are more sensitive than morphological parameters in distinguishing the control and drought treatments. Alterations in physiological parameters occurred at all three levels of water stress. Growth analysis and yield parameters decreased with the severity of stress. Drought-stress treatments gradually reduced the Morphological and physiological traits of mustard. Results: The study revealed a relationship between Brassica species' adaptation to drought stress and the rapidity, severity, and duration of the drought event. This highlights the importance of considering these factors while selecting genotypes for breeding programmes aimed at improving drought tolerance in B. juncea. Overall, the research provides valuable information for selecting suitable and appropriate genotypes for breeding drought-tolerant varieties of B. juncea. By understanding the specific physiological (relative water content, leaf osmotic potential, membrane stability index, electrolytic index) and growth parameters (plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight of leaves and roots, leaf area etc.) that are more sensitive to drought stress. Furthermore, this study revealed a relationship between Brassica species' adaptation to drought stress and the rapidity, severity, and duration of the drought event. Based on PCA values, the cultivar RH-749 performed better both morphologically and physiologically under all stress conditions compared to RH-725. This suggests that RH-749 is more adapted and tolerant to drought stress, making it a potential candidate for breeding and cultivation in water-limited environments.

Integration of transcriptome and metabolome reveals regulatory mechanisms of volatile flavor formation during tomato fruit ripening

Tomato is an important economic crop all over the world. Volatile flavors in tomato fruit are key factors influencing consumer liking and commercial quality. However, the regulatory mechanism controlling the volatile flavors of tomatoes is still not clear. Here, we integrated the metabolome and transcriptome of the volatile flavors in tomato fruit to explore the regulatory mechanism of volatile flavor formation, using wild and cultivated tomatoes with significant differences in flavors. A total of 35 volatile flavor compounds were identified, based on the solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). The content of the volatiles, affecting fruit flavor, significantly increased in the transition from breaker to red ripe fruit stage. Moreover, the total content of the volatiles in wild tomatoes was much higher than that in the cultivated tomatoes. The content variations of all volatile flavors were clustered into 10 groups by hierarchical cluster and Pearson correlation analysis (PCC). The fruit transcriptome was also patterned into 10 groups, with significant variations both from the mature green to breaker fruit stage and from the breaker to red ripe fruit stage. Combining the metabolome and the transcriptome of the same developmental stage of fruits by co-expression analysis, we found that the expression level of 1 182 genes was highly correlated with the content of volatile flavor compounds, thereby constructing two regulatory pathways of important volatile flavors. One pathway is tetrahydrothiazolidine N-hydroxylase (SlTNH1)-dependent, which is regulated by two transcription factors (TFs) from the bHLH and AP2/ERF families, controlling the synthesis of 2-isobutylthiazole in amino acid metabolism. The other is lipoxygenase (SlLOX)-dependent, which is regulated by one TF from the HD-Zip family, controlling the synthesis of hexanal and (Z)-2-heptenal in fatty acid metabolism. Dual-luciferase assay confirmed the binding of bHLH and AP2/ERF to their structural genes. The findings of this study provide new insights into volatile flavor formation in tomato fruit, which can be useful for tomato flavor improvement.

Metabolome and transcriptome reveal high abundance of bioactive substances in albino jujube fruit as potential function food

Little is known about the fruit quality of albino mutants, due to generally exhibited lethal phenotypes caused by restrained photosynthesis and energy metabolism. In this study, a non-lethal bud mutant of jujube that could bear fruit with higher nutrient content after leaf albinism was described. Compared to normal mature fruit, the albino fruit contained lower soluble sugar and titratable acid, as well as higher ascorbic acid, phenols and flavonoids contents. Through metabolome and transcriptome analyses, 109, 117, and 126 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and 1169, 797, and 3059 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the young, white-ripened, and mature stages of albino and normal fruits, respectively. KEGG annotation indicated that DEGs and DAMs were mainly enriched in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and α-linolenic acid metabolism. Moreover, ADH, GST17, and POD16 were identified as hub genes that play major roles in high abundance of chalcone, (−)-epigallocatechin, GSH, and total ascorbate. The alteration of bioactive substance content in albino fruits was an adaptive molecular mechanism that responded to adverse mutations, and reflected a higher antioxidant capacity. These findings provide new insights into bioactive compounds accumulation in albino mutants, and provide experimental evidence for albino fruit as a potential nutraceutical or functional food.

Unveiling molecular mechanisms of pigment synthesis in gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) fruits through integrative transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis

This study conducted a combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis in premature and mature developmental stages of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fruits to identify the molecular mechanisms of pigment synthesis. The transcriptomics data produced high-quality clean data amounting to 46.98 gigabytes, exhibiting a mapping ratio of 86.36% to 91.43%. Transcriptomics analysis successfully identified about 3,914 differentially expressed genes which are associated with pivotal biological processes, including photosynthesis, chlorophyll, biosynthetic processes, and protein-chromophore linkage pathways. Functional diversity was clarified by the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) classification, which focused mainly on pigment synthesis functions. Pathways analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) revealed critical pathways affecting pigment development. Metabolomics studies were carried out utilizing Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography and mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). About 480 metabolites were detected via metabolomics investigation, the majority of that were significantly involved in pigment synthesis. Cluster and pathway analyses revealed the importance of pathways such as plant secondary metabolite biosynthesis, biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids and plant hormone signal transduction in pigment synthesis. Current research advances our comprehension of the underlying mechanisms at the molecular level governing pigment synthesis in gardenia fruits, furnishing valuable insights for subsequent investigations.

Analytical strategies to identify multicomponent quality markers for commercial Hua-ju-hong using multidimensional chemical analysis.

Hua-ju-hong (HJH) is a Chinese medicinal material obtained from Citrus grandis 'Tomentosa' (CGT) and Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck (CG) with various commercial specifications. It is known for relieving cough and dispelling phlegm. To reveal the quality marker for distinguishing the various HJH, 215 batches of commercial HJH were studied systematically using multidimensional chemical analysis. Ten major components were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection. In this study, a rapid, efficient, and low-cost chromatographic method was established. Total coumarin-hemiterpene and total coumarin-monoterpene were first classified and analyzed in HJH. The result indicated that the main component, naringin, was not the quality marker for differentiating CGT from CG. For reflecting the unique medicinal and food value of HJH, coumarins should be the more potential quality markers. Flavonoids were the possible quality markers for distinguishing two growth stages of fruit-exocarp and young fruit. For the first time, two chemotypes of HJH were identified in CG. This study provides a convenient yet reliant chromatographic method and novel yet systematic strategies for overall quality control of commercial HJH.

Flexible Resource Allocation-Efficient Water Use Strategies Facilitate Invasion of Invasive Vine Sicyos angulatus L.

The invasive vine Sicyos angulatus L. destroys the natural ecosystem of invaded areas. Understanding the differences in growth and development between S. angulatus and other plants is necessary to explore the invasion mechanisms of S. angulatus and implement appropriate prevention and control measures. Thus, this study compared the growth, photosynthesis, and root characteristics of invasive liana S. angulatus and other three vine plants, Ipomoea nil (L.) Roth, Ipomoea purpurea (L.), and Thladiantha dubia Bunge, at different growth stages: seedling, flowering, and fruiting. The results showed that the total biomass of S. angulatus in the fruiting stage was 3-6 times that of the other three plants, and the root biomass ratio and root-shoot ratio decreased throughout the growth stage. Throughout the growth stage, the total leaf area of S. angulatus was significantly higher than that of the other three plant types, and the specific leaf area of S. angulatus at the seedling and flowering stages was 2.5-3 and 1.4-3 times that of the other three plants, respectively. The photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of S. angulatus at the fruiting stage were significantly higher than those of the other three plants, and its water use efficiency was higher than that of the other three plants at the three growth stages, indicating its strong photosynthetic capacity. The root activity and root pressure of S. angulatus were also significantly higher than those of the other three plants at the seedling and flowering stages. These results show that S. angulatus flexibly allocates resources to its aboveground parts during the growth stage to ensure that the plant obtains the space necessary for its growth and development and that with the help of higher root pressure and root activity, S. angulatus can maintain higher photosynthesis and water use efficiency with fewer resources. Therefore, the prevention and control of S. angulatus requires a combination of aboveground and underground measures. Spraying conventional weedicide/herbicide and manually removing aboveground plants may lead to its resurgence.

Characterization of N-methyltransferase Genes in Coffea liberica var. liberica

Caffeine biosynthesis in Coffea evolved independently through tandem gene duplication and subsequent neofunctionalization of ancestral N-methyltransferases (NMTs). The bulk of our understanding of this process in Coffea is centered on two species: C. arabica and C. canephora. To gain a wider perspective of caffeine biosynthesis in Coffea, this study focused on the less popular but commercially available C. liberica var. liberica, locally known as “kapeng barako.” This study aimed to determine the genomic and coding sequences of the three NMTs – mainly, xanthosine methyltransferase (XMT), 7-methylxanthine-N-methyltransferase (MXMT), and dimethylxanthine methyltransferase (DXMT) – through Sanger sequencing. Relative expression levels of these NMTs in the leaves, flower bud, green fruit, and red fruit stages were also determined through polymerase chain reaction amplification of synthesized cDNA and then gel electrophoresis. Results reveal that the genetic sequences of NMTs of C. liberica were similar to the C. eugenioides-derived NMTs of C. arabica. Results also indicate that there is a possibility that more than one NMT gene for each NMT cluster (XMT, MXMT, DXMT) exists. This study has also identified genomic sequences and transcripts, whose sequences were in between the XMT and MXMT gene clusters. The function of these novel sequences is yet to be determined. NMT expression levels in C. liberica were similar to those observed in C. arabica and C. canephora, wherein expression peaks at the green fruit stage and then diminishes, as the fruit ripens fully. Although the NMTs of C. liberica have a lot of similarities with C. arabica and C. canephora, discovering the function and role in caffeine biosynthesis of these novel genomic sequences and transcripts will help us further understand the evolution of caffeine biosynthesis in Coffea.