Peach Fruit Research Articles

Optimization of progesterone treatment via response surface methodology to maintain quality and mitigate chilling injury in Prunus persica L.

ABSTRACT Peach fruit is susceptible to deterioration, such as browning, highlighting the importance of applying effective preservation treatments to maintain quality. This study investigated the effect of progesterone (PRG) on the storability of mature peach fruit (cv. ‘Early Swelling’). In the initial experiment, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate key quality indicators, including browning, firmness, proline, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content to determine the optimal PRG concentration (1–30 µM) and treatment duration (1–30 min). Based on the RSM findings, a second experiment was applied using either 10 or 15 µM PRG for 10 min, selected as optimal conditions, compared with untreated controls. The peach fruits were stored at 2 °C with 90–95% RH for 32 days. The findings demonstrated that all PRG treatments efficiently preserved fruit quality and prolonged storability relative to the control. PRG treatment at 15 µM showed superior efficacy, significantly reducing browning, malondialdehyde, and weight loss while sustaining total phenolics, firmness, and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Moreover, PRG treatments enhanced pectin methylesterase activity, proline levels, and GABA content. These outcomes suggest that PRG application is a promising approach for improving peach fruit storability, minimising postharvest deterioration, and maintaining quality during extended storage.

Characterize Firmness Changes of Nectarine and Peach Fruit Associated With Harvest Maturity and Storage Duration Using Parameters of Force-Displacement Curves.

Fruit firmness is a critical attribute for evaluating the quality of peaches and nectarines. The precise measurement of fruit firmness plays a key role in maturity assessment, determining harvest periods, and predicting shelf-life. Texture analyzers are increasingly employed for accurate fruit firmness measurement, offering advantages in reducing operator errors compared to the traditional Magness-Taylor test. However, the parameters defining firmness vary across the literatures. To optimize the parameter(s) for characterizing the firmness of peaches and nectarines, we evaluated 31 parameters derived from force-displacement curves using fruit with various maturity levels and storage durations. Our findings affirmed that the conventional Magness-Taylor measurement effectively delineated firmness changes associated with varying maturity levels, while its ability to capture firmness changes due to storage duration was constrained. On the contrary, parameters extracted from the steady phase (P2), which depict flesh properties after penetrating to a specified depth, exhibited strong performance across diverse maturity stages and storage durations. As effective firmness characterization parameters should differentiate various sample groups based on both maturity and storage duration criteria-pivotal factors influencing softening, the P2-derived parameters are thus deemed more appropriate for firmness characterization. Given the stability of the steady phase (P2) within the force-displacement curve and the high correlation among the P2-derived parameters, it is more recommended to use the end force value of P2, corresponding to the force value at 10 mm depth to represent the firmness of peaches and nectarines.

Upcycling industrial peach waste to produce dissolving pulp.

This study investigates the production of high-purity cellulose pulp from peach (Prunus persica) fruit wastes generated during the processing of a Greek compote and juice production industry. A three-step chemical process is used, including alkaline treatment with NaOH, organic acid (acetic and formic) treatment, and hydrogen peroxide treatment, with the goal of cellulose extraction and purification. A fractional factorial design optimized reagent levels, revealing the strong influence of NaOH concentration on α-cellulose content and degree of polymerization. The extraction yield ranged between 9.7 and 12.3%, and a yield of 11.6% was achieved under the optimal conditions (NaOH, 3%w/v; acid-to-solid ratio, 6l/kg; H2O2, 0.5% v/v) of the factorial experiment. The resulting samples were further characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and TGA techniques. The results of the XRD and FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of cellulose, with a crystallinity index of approximately 57%, balancing strength and reactivity. The SEM analysis demonstrated a strong morphological similarity between the extracted pulp and commercial dissolving-grade pulp (Södra Purple), while images of the raw material confirmed effective purification. Additional evaluations included color, lightness, and lignin content. These findings suggest that cellulose extracted from peach waste is suitable for textile applications, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional cellulose sources and supporting industrial resource efficiency.

Investigating the effect of marigold flower extract on bioactive compounds, antioxidants and postharvest quality and shelf life of peach during storage

Abstract Peaches are a climacteric and highly perishable fruit with a short shelf life under ambient storage conditions which hampers further marketing and leads often to economic losses. Consequently, searching for pre-storage treatments to maintain shelf life and preserve the quality of peach fruit is an important task. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the efficiency of marigold flower extract (MFE) application on the shelf life and some quality attributes of peach fruit under ambient storage conditions. Peach fruit of cv. Early grand was treated with different concentrations of MFE (control, 10%, 20%, and 30%) and stored at 25 ± 2 °C for 8 days. The results revealed that at the end of the storage period, MFE (30%) suppressed the decrease of weight loss (21.51%), decay incidence (10.74%), solid-acid ratio (20.91%), pH (4.57), MDA (2.23 nmol/g FW) and H2O2 (3.01 nmol/g FW) compared to the control. Moreover, MFE (30%) increased the fruit firmness (93.93 N), soluble solid content (11.97 Brix), titratable acidity (0.57%), total sugar (10.01%), reducing sugars (5.15%), ascorbic acid (29.53 mg/100 mL), the total phenolic content (130.26 mg GAE/100 g FW) as well as the superoxide dismutase (309.79 U/mg), peroxidase (42.65 U/mg) and catalase (56.30 U/mg) enzyme activity compared to the untreated peach fruits. The results of our study suggested that the application of MFE particularly at 30% might be employed commercially as an environment-friendly approach to delay postharvest senescence and maintain quality attributes of peach fruit under ambient conditions.

The influence of different drying techniques on polyphenols profile (LC–MS-PDA-Q/TOF) of peach fruit and their pro-health properties by in vitro

AbstarctDrying plant raw materials using modern techniques or combined methods is currently one of the main trends in food technology, which combines process optimization in line with the principles of sustainable development while maintaining high product quality. Therefore, this study aims to be innovative, assessing the possibility of using sublimation techniques, convective drying (CD) at different temperatures (50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C), vaccum microwave drying (VMD) at different power levels (120 W, 240 W, 360 W, and 360/120 W), and combining these two techniques— CD-VMD (50 °C/120 W, 60 °C/120 W, 70 °C/120 W) in the production of peach snacks. The qualitative analysis of the tested dried peaches showed that the content of polyphenols was dominated by polymers of procyanidins (82.5%), followed by phenolic acids (10.6%) > > flavanols (monomers and dimers 4.6%) > > flavonols (1.3%) and anthocyanins (1.0%). The VMD was found to be the most effective method for shaping the final concentration of bioactive compounds. In this process, the final polyphenol concentration was influenced by the total duration of the process and the temperature of the dried material. Moreover, based on the results it can be concluded that dried peaches demonstrate strong antioxidant properties and act as more potent inhibitors of pancreatic lipase and cholinesterases (both AChE and BuChE).

PpERF17 alleviates peach fruit postharvest chilling injury under elevated CO2 by activating jasmonic acid and γ-aminobutyric acid biosynthesis

Abstract Internal browning (IB) is a common chilling injury (CI) feature in peach fruit after prolonged cold storage. Our previous study demonstrated that low O2 and elevated CO2 (eCO2) condition of modified atmosphere (MA) storage alleviated CI by facilitating the accumulation of jasmonic acids (JAs) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in ‘Zhonghuashoutao’ (‘ZHST’) peach fruit. Here we show that 10 % CO2 alone can improve cold tolerance, with ethylene response factor 17 (PpERF17) identified as a pivotal transcription factor (TF) that promotes biosynthesis of JAs and GABA. Stable transformation of PpERF17 in tobacco resulted in reduced cold damage, attributed to decreased levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as enhanced accumulation of JAs and GABA. Moreover, under eCO2, PpMYC2.1, the master regulator of JA signaling, was found to activate transcription of 13S-lipoxygenase (Pp13S-LOX), allene oxide synthase (PpAOS), 12-oxophytodienoate reductase 3 (PpOPR3) and glutamate decarboxylase (PpGAD), while also inducing the expression of the upstream TF PpERF17, thereby establishing positive feedback loops upregulating JA and GABA biosynthesis. Finally, application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to fruit before shelf transfer from cold storage alleviated chilling injury development, due to increased accumulation of JAs and GABA as a result of raised expression of related biosynthetic genes. Collectively, our results suggest that eCO2-induced PpERF17 enhances JAs and GABA accumulation while activating the JA signaling pathway. This contributes to a positive feedback loop mediated by PpMYC2.1, ultimately alleviating CI of peach fruit through the sustained accumulation of JAs and GABA.

Using Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping and Genomic Resources to Improve Breeding Precision in Peaches: Current Insights and Future Prospects.

Modern breeding technologies and the development of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping have brought about a new era in peach breeding. This study examines the complex genetic structure that underlies the morphology of peach fruits, paying special attention to the interaction between genome editing, genomic selection, and marker-assisted selection. Breeders now have access to precise tools that enhance crop resilience, productivity, and quality, facilitated by QTL mapping, which has significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic determinants underlying essential traits such as fruit shape, size, and firmness. New technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 and genomic selection enable the development of cultivars that can withstand climate change and satisfy consumer demands with unprecedented precision in trait modification. Genotype-environment interactions remain a critical challenge for modern breeding efforts, which can be addressed through high-throughput phenotyping and multi-environment trials. This work shows how combining genome-wide association studies and machine learning can improve the synthesis of multi-omics data and result in faster breeding cycles while preserving genetic diversity. This study outlines a roadmap that prioritizes the development of superior cultivars utilizing cutting-edge methods and technologies in order to address evolving agricultural and environmental challenges.

Graph pangenome reveals the regulation of malate content in blood-fleshed peach by NAC transcription factors

BackgroundFruit acidity and color are important quality attributes in peaches. Although there are some exceptions, blood-fleshed peaches typically have a sour taste. However, little is known about the genetic variations linking organic acid and color regulation in peaches.ResultsHere, we report a peach graph-based pangenome constructed from sixteen individual genome assemblies, capturing abundant structural variations and 82.3 Mb of sequences absent in the reference genome. Pangenome analysis reveals a long terminal repeat retrotransposon insertion in the promoter of the NAC transcription factor (TF) PpBL in blood-fleshed peaches, which enhances PpBL expression. Genome-wide association study identifies a significant association between PpBL and malate content. Silencing PpBL in peach fruit and ectopic overexpression of PpBL in tomatoes confirm that PpBL is a positive regulator of malate accumulation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PpBL works synergistically with another NAC TF, PpNAC1, to activate the transcription of the aluminum-activated malate transporter PpALMT4, leading to increased malate content.ConclusionsThese findings, along with previous research showing that PpBL and PpNAC1 also regulate anthocyanin accumulation, explain the red coloration and sour taste in blood-fleshed peach fruits.

β-Aminobutyric acid activates SA-signalling systemic acquired resistance in peach fruit by suppressing the circadian clock associated protein1.

Circadian clock regulates plant development and physiology by anticipating daily environmental changes. Here we studied the core clock protein involved in β-aminobutyric acid (BABA)-inducible SAR resistance to Rhizopus stolonifer in peach fruit. BABA elicitation barely primed the accumulation of jasmonate or ethylene, whose regulation was associated with morning-loop gene expression. Notably, BABA-induced resistance depended on the upregulation of SA signalling, accompanied by increased transcription of specific evening-loop genes. Through Y2H screening, pull-down and co-IP analyses, CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1), a morning-expressed clock protein repressed by BABA, was identified as an interacting partner of NPR1 in regulating SA-dependent SAR. A CUT&Tag analysis indicated that the association of CCA1 with its target genes, which are enriched in EE or CBS motifs, was involved in SA pathway. Furthermore, EMSA, DLR, Y3H and Co-ip assays suggested that CCA1 did not directly affect the expression of SA-inducible genes but instead hindered the interaction between NPR1 and TGA1. Overexpression of PpCCA1 attenuated the transcription of SA-responsive PR genes, while mutation of PpCCA1 elevated these expressions. Collectively, PpCCA1 functions as a negative regulator of NPR1-dependent SA signalling through antagonistic crosstalk with the NPR1-TGA1 system, but BABA activates SAR by suppressing PpCCA1 in peach fruit.

Impact of Ultraviolet‐C Light on Softening and Senescence During Storage of Peach Fruit

Ultraviolet‐C (UV‐C), as a physical preservation technology, has the advantages of energy saving, safety, and sanitation and has broad application prospects in fruit storage. In this study, peach cultivated “Xiahui 5” was used as material to investigate the impact of UV‐C on the softening, senescence, and postharvest quality of peaches. It was discovered that the application of UV‐C postponed the peak of respiration, retarded the loss of firmness, and inhibited ethylene biosynthesis during peach fruit storage. The UV‐C treatment led to the inhibition of the growth of soluble pectin content and the reduction of cellulose and hemicellulose content, together with the suppression of the activities of enzymes that break down cell walls. The application of UV‐C treatment resulted in an increase in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of peach fruit, accompanied by a corresponding enhancement in the activities of glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). This contributed to maintain the fruit’s normal redox balance and antioxidant capacity. The application of UV‐C treatment resulted in a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, thereby indicating that the oxidative damage of peach fruit during storage was inhibited by the UV‐C. The application of UV‐C maintained higher ATP content and induced the increase of cytochrome C oxidase (COX), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), H+K+‐ATPase, and Ca2+‐ATPase activities involved in energy metabolism and had a significant impact in maintaining cell energy status. The findings suggest that UV‐C treatment postpones peach fruit softening and senescence by maintaining cellular structure and energy homeostasis.

2,4-Epibrassinolide enhances disease defense by suppressing the disassembly of cell wall polysaccharides in peach fruit

2,4-Epibrassinolide enhances disease defense by suppressing the disassembly of cell wall polysaccharides in peach fruit

Stability of vacuum-packed peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) flours obtained by dehydration and freeze-drying during accelerated storage

This paper evaluated the stability of vacuum-packed peach palm flours obtained by dehydration and freeze-drying during accelerated storage. For the elaboration of the flours, peach palm fruits (Bactris gasipaes Kunth var. gasipaes), harvested in the Eastern region of Ecuador, were used. The in natura fruits were washed with running water and disinfected. Before treatment, the fruits were scalded and cooled in an ice-water bath. Then, they were peeled, seeded and chopped. The dehydrated and lyophilized materials were pulverized in a blade mill and vibrated sieved for 10 min. Moisture content, ash, crude fiber, fat, carbohydrates, proteins and rheological parameters were determined for the flours. The flours were vacuum packed and stored at 30, 40 and 50 ºC. During accelerated storage, the peroxide value (POV) was determined. The results of this determination were subjected to linear regression analysis as a function of time. The parameters of the Arrhenius model (k and Ea) for the variation of the POV and the temperature acceleration factor (Q10) were also determined. The variation of the POV in both flours showed a similar behavior during accelerated storage, without there being, in general, differences (p ≤ 0.05) regarding the increase of the POV. In all cases, this POV increase during accelerated storage was adjusted to a zero-order reaction and linear models were obtained to estimate the variation of this parameter for each combination of flour and temperature. The Q10 values for the POV variation ranged between 1.05 and 1.29, regardless of the type of flour.

The effect of weather factors on the activity of peach fruit fly <i>Bactrocera zonata</i> (Diptera: Tephritidae) on guava orchards in Dakahlia and Kafr ElShaikh Governorates

The effect of weather factors on the activity of peach fruit fly <i>Bactrocera zonata</i> (Diptera: Tephritidae) on guava orchards in Dakahlia and Kafr ElShaikh Governorates

Characterization of ZAT12 protein from Prunus persica: role in fruit chilling injury tolerance and identification of gene targets.

PpZAT12, a transcription factor differentially expressed in peach varieties with distinct susceptibility tochilling injury (CI), is a potential candidate gene for CI tolerance by regulating several identified gene targets. ZAT (zinc finger of Arabidopsis thaliana) proteins play roles in multiple abiotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis and other species; however, there are few reports on these transcription factors (TFs) in fruit crops. This study aimed to evaluate PpZAT12, a C2H2 TF up-regulated in peach fruit by a heat treatment applied before postharvest cold storage for reducing chilling injury (CI) symptoms. Here, the expression of PpZAT12 in different tissues and fruits subjected to either postharvest heat or cold treatments, was evaluated in peach varieties with differential susceptibility to develop CI. PpZAT12 increased by cold storage in CI-resistant cultivars ('Elegant Lady' and 'Rojo 2'), while it was not modified in a cultivar susceptible to develop CI ('Flordaking'). Besides, we expressed PpZAT12 in Arabidopsis (35S::PpZAT12) and found that these plants show impaired plant growth and development, rendering small plants with senescence delay and aborted seeds. We applied a proteomic approach to decipher the peptides responding to PpZAT12 in Arabidopsis and found 348 differential expressed proteins (DEPs) relative to the wild type. Besides, comparing the DEPs between Arabidopsis plants expressing PpZAT12 or AtZAT12 (35S::AtZAT12) we found common and specific responses to these TFs. Based on the proteomic information obtained here and published data about AtZAT12, we searched ZAT12-targets in peach allowing the identification of a putative ZAT12 regulon in this species. The identified peach ZAT12-protein targets could underlie the differential susceptibility to CI among different peach varieties and can be used as future targets to improve adaptation to refrigeration in fleshy fruits.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL QUALITY PROPERTIES OF PEACH (PRUNUS PERSICA L.) VARIETIES AT HOLETA, ETHIOPIA

Holeta has different peach fruit varieties that can be used for various purposes. However, their fruit quality characteristics were not fully identified. Studies have indicated that the physicochemical qualities of peach fruits are influenced by a number of factors, with the varietal factor being one of the most important. Limited information regarding the factors that affect these qualities is available in the country, specifically at Holeta. Therefore, this study was initiated to evaluate the physicochemical quality properties of peach fruit varieties. Their physical quality traits, such as fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit shape index, and average fruit weight, as well as chemical quality parameters, such as TSS, specific gravity, TA, ripening index, ascorbic acid content, and pH, were evaluated. The results revealed that both physical and chemical quality parameters were significantly affected by varietal factors. Among cultivars, 'Bonny Gold' had the longest fruit length, and 'Florida Down' had the largest fruit diameter. As far as average fruit weight is concerned, 88-18 W had the highest weight with 111.98 g, while Transvalia had the highest TSS and specific gravity. However, the 'Summer Sun' and 9A-35C varieties had the highest TA and ripening index, respectively. Thus, the physicochemical quality properties of the fruit were highly altered with peach varieties.

VOZ-dependent priming of salicylic acid-dependent defense against Rhizopus stolonifer by β-aminobutyric acid requires the TCP protein TCP2 in peach fruit.

Vascular plant one-zinc finger (VOZ) transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in plant immunity. Nevertheless, how VOZs modulate defense signaling in response to elicitor-induced resistance is not fully understood. Here, the defense elicitor β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) resulted in the visible suppression of Rhizopus rot disease of peach fruit caused by Rhizopus stolonifer. Defense priming by BABA was notably associated with increased levels of salicylic acid (SA) and SA-dependent gene expression. Data-independent acquisition proteomic analysis revealed that two VOZ proteins (PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2) were substantially upregulated in BABA-induced resistance (BABA-IR). Furthermore, the interaction of PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2 and their potential target of the TEOSINTE-BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP)-family protein PpTCP2 screened from protein-protein interaction networks was confirmed by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), luciferase complementation imaging and glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays. Furthermore, subcellular localization, yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that nuclear localization of both PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2 was critical for their contribution to BABA-IR, as these proteins potentiated the PpTCP2-mediated transcriptional activation of isochorismate synthase genes (ICS1/2). The overexpression of both PpVOZ1 and PpVOZ2 could activate the transcription of SA-dependent genes and provide disease resistance in transgenic Arabidopsis. In contrast, the ppvoz1cas9 and ppvoz2cas9 loss-of-function mutations and the voz1cas9 voz2cas9 double mutation attenuated BABA-IR against R. stolonifer. Therefore, the three identified positive TFs, PpVOZ1, PpVOZ2, and PpTCP2, synergistically contribute to the BABA-activated priming of systemic acquired resistance in postharvest peach fruit by a VOZ-TCP-ICS regulatory module.

PpNAP4 and ethylene act in a regulatory loop to modulate peach fruit ripening and softening.

Ripening significantly influences fruit quality and commercial value. Peaches (Prunus persica), a climacteric fruit, exhibit increased ethylene biosynthesis and decreased fruit firmness during ripening. NAC-like proteins activated by AP3/P1 (NAP) proteins are a subfamily of NAC transcription factors, and certain NAPs have been shown to intervene in fruit ripening. Here, we revealed that one NAP member PpNAP4, along with ethylene, positively regulated peach ripening and softening. Positive regulation of fruit ripening by PpNAP4 was demonstrated by overexpressing PpNAP4 in both peaches and tomatoes, resulting in enhanced fruit ripening through targeted modulation of specific ethylene biosynthesis and cell wall degradation-related genes. Further investigation revealed that PpNAP4 targets and upregulates key ethylene biosynthesis genes PpACS1, PpACO1 and PpEIN2, which is the core component of ethylene signaling. PpNAP4 positively modulates fruit softening by binding to and activating the promoters of cell wall degradation-related genes PpPL1 and PpPL15. Additionally, expression of PpPL1 and PpPL15 was directly affected by ethylene, with further investigation revealing that their promoters were clearly induced by ethylene. Our findings demonstrate a synergistic role played by the interaction between PpNAP4 and PpNAP6, enhancing the expression of PpACS1, PpACO1, PpPL1, PpPL15 and PpEIN2, thereby contributing to fruit ripening and softening. Overall, our study revealed the intricate mechanisms responsible for PpNAP4, PpNAP6, and ethylene roles during peach fruit ripening, highlighting a regulatory loop in which PpNAP4 and ethylene mutually enhance each other during the ripening process. These enhancements further contribute to peach fruit softening by upregulating specific cell wall degradation-related genes.

The effects of chilling (4 °C) and non-chilling (12 °C) temperatures on storage quality and flavor development of yellow peach fruit

The effects of chilling (4 °C) and non-chilling (12 °C) temperatures on storage quality and flavor development of yellow peach fruit

PpGATA4 mediates fruit softening and transcriptionally regulates PpEXPA1 in peach (Prunus persica)

Softening during fruit ripening often exacerbates mechanical damage during postharvest processing and increases susceptibility to pathogens. According to current research, the fruit softening process is closely related to the degradation of the cell wall. The nonenzymatic protein expansin (EXP) is a key cell wall loosening agent involved in cell growth and cell wall degradation. However, the transcriptional regulation of EXPs during peach fruit softening remains unclear. In this study, the transcription factor PpGATA4 was found to be involved in the postharvest softening of peach fruit. To better understand the regulatory mechanisms involved, the GATA gene family in peach (Prunus persica) was identified. Analysis of the transcriptomes of the transient overexpression and postharvest storage stages of peach revealed that an expansin gene, PpEXPA1, was related to PpGATA4. Further studies revealed a regulatory model in which PpGATA4 could transactivate the expression of PpEXPA1.

Characteristic aroma identification of differentially colored peach fruits based on HS-SPME-GC–MS

Aromatic components are vital for the flavor profile of peaches. This study investigated the aroma compounds of 20 differential peach cultivars using headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC–MS). A total of 82 distinct aromas were identified, comprising 6 lactones, 16 esters, 24 alcohols, 5 aldehydes, 12 ketones, and 19 other compounds. The yellow peach cultivar ‘Tropic Beauty’ exhibited the highest aroma content, whereas ‘Xiahui 5’ topped the white peaches. Furthermore, 11 key aromas were identified based on their odor activity values (OAVs), with hexanal demonstrating the highest average OAV of 1333.27. The top ten cultivars were ranked as follows: ‘Tropic Beauty’, ‘NJN76’, ‘Vega’, ‘Xiahui 5’, ‘Zhongyoujinshuai’, ‘Troubador’, ‘Flordaguard’, ‘Ruiguang 35’, ‘Jinhualu’, and ‘Xiacui’. These results lay a strong foundation for assessing peach flavor and developing breeding strategies for peach cultivars.