Scientia Horticulturae最新文献

{"title":"Comprehensive evaluation of optimized preservation strategies for blueberries: An assessment of diverse intervention measures based on network meta-analysis","authors":"Jieyu Li ,&nbsp;Geng Liu ,&nbsp;Yueting Huang ,&nbsp;Qiqiao Pan ,&nbsp;Ziqin Bai ,&nbsp;Chenlan Li ,&nbsp;Hui Luo ,&nbsp;Wei Xue","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114380","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114380","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research adopted the Bayesian random-effects model (REM), incorporating 25 different intervention strategies aimed at preserving blueberries. A network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy of the various quality characteristic indicators and secondary metabolite variables obtained from these interventions. The results indicated that 2-hydroxypropyl-3-trimethylammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC) coating solution + 2% polyol glycerin was the optimal method for maintaining high firmness and inhibiting weight loss in blueberries. Treatment with a nanocomposite, formulated by blending thick phenols, zein, and shellac nanoparticles with the waxy layer of winter melon skin in a 1:1 ratio + 10% Arabic gum (AG-10% WG MA @ SZ solution), is the best method for maintaining total soluble solids content (TSS). The best measure to maintain the titratable acidity (TA) content is the use of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at a concentration of 1.0 μL / L. The use of fresh-keeping pad paper soaked in a 1.0% calcium chloride (CaCl₂₎ solution is the best method to reduce decay rate. The optimal intervention to inhibit the increase of H₂O₂ involves treatment with ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation at a dosage of 2.76 kJ / m² + sealing blueberries with a polypropylene (PP) / polyethylene (PE) film packaging membrane. Irradiation treatment at 3.0 kGy is the most effective method for sustaining the accumulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. UV-C irradiation at 4 kJ / m² represents the optimal measure for inhibiting the respiratory rate of blueberries, suppressing the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) content in blueberries, and maintaining the accumulation of anthocyanins in blueberries. The best approach to maintain the activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) involves treatment with 1.0 μL / L of 1-MCP + UV-C irradiation at a dosage of 4 kJ / m². Packaging with PP / PE film + treating with dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) low-temperature plasma at 45 kV represents the best measure for inhibiting the content of O²⁻.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 114380"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145020608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differential responses of cherry tomato cultivars to preharvest methyl jasmonate across harvest cycles: Impacts on antioxidants, amino acids, and GABA","authors":"Shimeles Tilahun ,&nbsp;Min Woo Baek ,&nbsp;Su Ho Tae ,&nbsp;Chang Eun Yeo ,&nbsp;Se Min Chang ,&nbsp;Ju Hyeon Lee ,&nbsp;DoSu Park ,&nbsp;Cheon Soon Jeong","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114397","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114397","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the effect of preharvest methyl jasmonate (MeJA) applications on the quality attributes, amino acids, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activities of three cherry tomato cultivars, namely ‘Jocheong’ (green), ‘Black Q’ (black), and ‘Snacktom’ (red), cultivated hydroponically in a controlled greenhouse. Fruits were harvested across three successive cycles following three rounds of 0.25 mM MeJA spray at one-week intervals. Physicochemical traits, amino acids, chlorophylls, anthocyanins, lycopene, β-carotene, phenolics, flavonoids, vitamin C, and antioxidant capacities with four assays were analyzed. Results revealed strong cultivar- and harvest cycle-dependent responses. ‘Black Q’ showed superior firmness, chlorophyll, anthocyanin, and vitamin C content; ‘Snacktom’ excelled in β-carotene, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity, while ‘Jocheong’ displayed the highest accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and essential amino acids under MeJA treatment. Notably, MeJA application enhanced amino acids and antioxidants most effectively during the later harvest, suggesting a requirement for physiological development of the crop or accumulated stress responsiveness. These findings emphasize the need for cultivar-specific and stage-specific elicitor strategies for producing value-added cherry tomatoes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 114397"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145047180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"5-AzaC promotes the synthesis of patchoulol and pogostone in Pogostemon cablin by regulating DNA methylation","authors":"Eyue Yang ,&nbsp;Wenyun Lin ,&nbsp;Jianmiao Chen ,&nbsp;Jing Yu ,&nbsp;Pengguo Xia ,&nbsp;Yong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114410","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114410","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Pogostemon cablin</em> (<em>patchouli</em>) is an herbaceous medicinal plant with considerable economic importance in China. Patchoulol and pogostone are the principal marker compounds used in the quality assessment of patchouli oil. 5-Azacytidine (5-AzaC), a DNA methylation inhibitor, has the potential to influence secondary metabolite biosynthesis in plants. To evaluate its effects, patchouli plants were treated with different concentrations of 5-AzaC for 30 days. At a low concentration (50 μM), 5-AzaC enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, whereas at a higher concentration (200 μM), it promoted the accumulation of patchoulol and pogostone. Transcriptome analysis yielded 58,144 unigenes and identified 20,586 differentially expressed genes (9535 up-regulated and 11,051 down-regulated). Of these, 731 genes were enriched in secondary metabolism pathways (188 up-regulated and 543 down-regulated), and 215 transcripts were associated with redox-related pathways (92 up-regulated and 123 down-regulated). Key genes involved in patchoulol and pogostone biosynthesis (<em>GPPS, PTS</em>), together with antioxidant enzyme genes (<em>CAT, SOD, APX, ICDH, SGT</em>), showed generally low expression. In contrast, genes encoding key methylation enzymes (<em>MET, CMT</em>, DRM) were down-regulated, while the DNA demethylation-related gene <em>MBD</em> was up-regulated. These findings suggest that 5-AzaC alters the methylation machinery of patchouli, leading to abnormal gene expression and transcriptional changes. This work provides new insights into the role of DNA methylation in regulating patchoulol and pogostone biosynthesis, and lays a foundation for further studies on the epigenetic regulation of secondary metabolism in patchouli. metabolism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 114410"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of biochemical and molecular markers of blueability level in Hydrangea macrophylla","authors":"Hanaé Roman ,&nbsp;Vincent Guérin ,&nbsp;Béra Ley-Ngardigal ,&nbsp;Nathalie Brouard ,&nbsp;Lydie Huché-Thélier ,&nbsp;Nathalie Leduc","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114400","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114400","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In <em>Hydrangea macrophylla</em> cultivars with pink inflorescences, sepals can turn blue in the presence of aluminium (Al). While the formation of the blue complex is well understood, the mechanisms behind variable blueing in pink cultivars remain unclear and this lack of knowledge makes difficult reliably breeding new varieties with good blueability. To investigate this, we studied nine pink cultivars exhibiting different levels of blueability. Sepal color changes after Al supply were used to classify cultivars along a blueability scale. We then assessed Al absorption, transport, and translocation by measuring Al content in vegetative organs and inflorescences, and by analysing the expression of related genes. We also quantified delphinidin (Del) and co-pigment accumulation in inflorescences. Our results show that changes in hue following Al supply are a reliable indicator of blueability. High blueability correlates with both a high Al/Del ratio and a high ratio of stabilizing (5-caffeoylquinic acid + 5-coumaroylquinic acid) to destabilizing (3-caffeoylquinic acid) co-pigments in sepals—defined as the Rcp ratio. Poor blueability is observed when either ratio is below threshold values (Al/Del &lt; 10; Rcp &lt; 0.5). Additionally, the expression of <em>HmCHS</em> (anthocyanin biosynthesis), <em>HmALS3</em> (Al transport), and <em>HmMYB2</em> (phenylpropanoid pathway regulator) positively correlates with blueability, suggesting their key roles in regulating blue coloration. Notably, <em>HmALS3</em> expression in vegetative organs correlates with blueability several months before flowering. Our results provide a valuable program for accelerating blue cultivar screening, saving cultivation space and time: Since the Rcp ratio remains stable regardless of Al supply, it can serve as an early selection marker during the first flowering year, even without Al treatment. Then, measurement of <em>ALS3</em> expression in the vegetative organs of the selected progenies under Al supply and well before flowering would complete this early screening. Finally, measurement of the [Al]/[Del] ratio in sepals upon flowering and assessment of the blue color at full blooming would confirm good blueability of the few preselected genotypes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 114400"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metabolic profiles of volatile organic compounds in cloudy grape juices from different varieties using headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry","authors":"Bandar R. Alsehli","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114386","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114386","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this investigation is to analyze the metabolic profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cloudy grape juices from different grape varieties to evaluate their organoleptic characteristics and examine consumer preferences. This research is significant as it contributes to the growing trend of exploring new grape varieties that exhibit disease resistance and distinctive pigmentation, offering potential alternatives to conventional commercial grape types for premium juice production. The study was conducted from March to November 2023 in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, on 12 hectares of grape area. The following grape varieties were examined: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat, Blanc Du Bois, Solaris, Crimson Seedless, and Black Corinth. The juice was produced using a process that included sorting, crushing, pressing, and pasteurization at 85 °C for 30 s. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were extracted using solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), and their chemical profiles were analyzed through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HR-TOF-MS). Organoleptic analysis involved a panel of tasters to investigate the correlation between the VOC chemical profiles and the characteristics of the juices. The results show that the cloudy juices derived from Black Corinth and Solaris varieties exhibit unique VOC profiles that significantly differ from those of traditional varieties. Notably, the content of linalool in Black Corinth juice was 14.2 µg/L, considerably higher than the 4.1 µg/L observed in Chardonnay juice. Consumer surveys indicated that approximately 45 % of respondents preferred Black Corinth juice, suggesting the commercial appeal and potential viability of this variety. Based on the collected data, it can be inferred that new grape varieties with unique VOC profiles have the potential to compete with traditional varieties by offering high-quality, nutrient-dense juice products. These findings can guide the development of innovative, functional beverages that meet modern consumer preferences.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 114386"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145093808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integration of the metabolome and transcriptome provides insights into the biochemical and molecular basis of the flower color of Impatiens balsamina","authors":"Yunsheng Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114413","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114413","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flower color is a vital horticultural trait, and <em>Impatiens balsamina</em>, a popular ornamental plant, exhibits a range of flower colors. In a comprehensive study, the transcriptomes and metabolomes of white, pink, and red <em>I. balsamina</em> petals were analyzed to uncover the biochemical and molecular basis underlying the flower color of <em>I. balsamina</em>. A total of 823 metabolites and 35,371 expressed genes were identified, including eight anthocyanins, a total of 34 key structural genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis (e.g., <em>IbCHS, IbCHI, IbCYP75A, IbCYP75B1, IbF3H, IbDFR, IbANS, IbBZ1, IbUGT75C1, IbUGT79B1</em>), and 2009 transcription factor (TF) genes. The anthocyanins malvidin-3-O-glucoside chloride and cyanidin-3-O-galactoside chloride were found to be responsible for the red coloration, while kuromanin chloride was speculated to contribute to the pink hue. The accumulation levels of these anthocyanins were significantly correlated with the expression levels of certain structural genes (e.g., <em>IbBZ1, IbDFR, IbF3H</em>) and TF genes (e.g., <em>IbWRKY, IbMYB, IbbHLH</em>). Two coexpression gene network modules (CEGNMs) were identified as key regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Specifically, the MEbrown module positively regulated the accumulation of several anthocyanins, including cyanidin 3-(6′'-caffeoyl-6′''-feruloylsophoroside)-5-glucoside, cyanidin 3-(6′'-malonyl)glucoside, and pelargonidin-3,5-O-diglucoside chloride. Meanwhile, the MEpink module positively regulated the levels of malvidin-3-O-glucoside chloride and kuromanin chloride. Protein-protein interactions among structural genes, between structural genes and chromosome P450 genes, and between structural genes and CCAAT-binding TFs also influenced anthocyanin biosynthesis. These findings elucidate the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying flower color formation in Impatiens balsamina, particularly the regulatory roles of key gene co-expression network modules (such as MEbrown and MEpink) in anthocyanin biosynthesis. They provide an important theoretical basis and practical guidance for flower color breeding in <em>I. balsamina</em> and potentially other <em>Impatiens</em> species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 114413"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diversification and evolution of the Polycomb group family in nine Rosaceae species and molecular characteristics of PmLHP1","authors":"Yuying Lu,&nbsp;Ximeng Lin,&nbsp;Xiao Huang,&nbsp;Feng Gao,&nbsp;Chengdong Ma,&nbsp;Pengyu Zhou,&nbsp;Liping Tong,&nbsp;Fanfan Liu,&nbsp;Dan Cheng,&nbsp;Zhaojun Ni,&nbsp;Zhihong Gao,&nbsp;Ting Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114392","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114392","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polycomb group (PcG) proteins play a crucial role in the regulatory network of plant growth, development, and environmental stress responses, serving as important epigenetic regulators. However, a systematic comparative investigation of PcG proteins across the Rosaceae family is still lacking. In this study, we identified 721 PcG genes in nine Rosaceae species, including 383 members of Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1). Phylogenetic analysis, conserved motifs and domain characterization, chromosomal localization, collinearity analysis, and cis-regulatory element prediction indicate that PRC1 proteins participate in plant development and various biological processes. Through extensive phylogenetic analyses, these PcG proteins were classified into nine subfamilies: RING1, BMI1, LHP1, EMF1, VRN1, E(z), Esc, N55, and Su(z)12. These analyses further demonstrated that plant PcG proteins originate from a common ancestor and have shown that PRC1 components are diverged in bryophytes. LHP1 has been shown to be involved in the development of flower epigenetic silencing of genes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that PmLHP1 exhibits high sequence similarity with orthologs in other woody plants, and its two major structural domains are highly conserved. Given the established role of phase separation in temperature-dependent regulation of plant growth and development, we assessed the likelihood of phase separation among PRC1 components in Rosaceae. Notably, members of the LHP1 subfamily showed high propensity for phase separation. After isolating PmLHP1 from <em>Prunus mume</em>, subcellular localization analysis confirmed its nuclear localization. Furthermore, PmLHP1 exhibited temperature-dependent localization changes under high-temperature conditions. Overall, this study provides new perspectives on the evolutionary dynamics of the PcG family in Rosaceae and the functional role of PmLHP1 in <em>P. mume</em> development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 114392"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145047255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A modification of the SMPTSB model to improve the simulation of photosynthesis and transpiration rates of citrus trees under temperature stress","authors":"Wenyi Zhao ,&nbsp;Xiaohua Dong ,&nbsp;Yaoming Ma ,&nbsp;Chong Wei ,&nbsp;Lu Li ,&nbsp;Wenjie Gao ,&nbsp;Dan Yu ,&nbsp;Bob Su","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114390","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114390","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant photosynthesis and transpiration are basic processes in water and carbon cyclings in ecosystems. Accurate simulation of the net CO₂ assimilation rate (<em>A_m-c</em>) and transpiration rate (<em>E_m-c</em>) of citrus tree canopy under high temperature stress can help to obtain rational planting and irrigation schemes to cope with the impact of environmental stress on the citrus trees. In this study, <em>A_m-c</em> and <em>E_m-c</em> were measured by the wrapped Stem Flow Meter and Portable Photosynthesis System to analyze the daytime variation characteristics of <em>A_m-c</em> and <em>E_m-c</em> combined with the observed meteorological data. Then, the Synthetic Model of Photosynthesis-Transpiration based on the Stomatal Behavior model (SMPTSB) into the Photosynthetic-Transpiration coupling Model based on three Temperatures (PTM-3T) by modifying the calculation method of aerodynamic resistance (<em>r_a</em>) and canopy resistance (<em>r_c</em>) using imitation leaf method and temperature difference method, respectively, to improve the simulation accuracy of <em>A_m-c</em> and <em>E_m-c</em> under high-temperature condition. The results indicate that: (1) Under high temperature stress condition, there was an \"asynchronous\" phenomenon where the daytime peak of <em>A_m-c</em> appeared earlier than that of <em>E_m-c</em>. (2) Compared with the SMPTSB model, the PTM-3T model has higher simulation accuracy when citrus trees are affected by high temperature, where the R² of the <em>A_m-c</em> is increased from 0.79 to 0.82, and the RMSE is reduced from 0.87 to 0.77 μmol m^–2 s^–1, the R² of the <em>E_m-c</em> is increased from 0.17 to 0.76, and the RMSE is reduced from 0.68 to 0.27 mmol m^–2 s^–1, respectively. This study can provide a way to more accurately simulate the <em>A_m-c</em> and <em>E_m-c</em> under environmental stress conditions and can obtain a better understanding of the mass transport and energy exchange of the soil-plant-atmosphere system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 114390"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145047258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Selecting superior genotypes to enhance yield and fruit quality in Australian passion fruit","authors":"Xinhang Sun ,&nbsp;Vivi Arief ,&nbsp;Paul Gauthier ,&nbsp;Pragya Dhakal Poudel ,&nbsp;Patrick Mason ,&nbsp;Rajeev Varshney ,&nbsp;Bruce Topp ,&nbsp;Mobashwer Alam","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114411","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114411","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Passion fruit (<em>Passiflora edulis</em>) holds significant economic value due to its distinct flavour, aroma, rich nutritional composition, and notable medicinal benefits. Despite its economic importance, the passion fruit industry is constrained by the limited availability of improved cultivars, which adversely affects yield, fruit quality, and profitability. Breeding efforts aimed at improving passion fruit are complex due to the polygenic nature of yield and quality traits, as well as the genetic correlations among them. This study evaluated nine agronomic traits (fruit weight and number, pulp weight and content, fruit length and diameter, soluble solids, skin thickness and yield) across 10 genotypes to estimate heritability and genetic correlations and to identify promising candidates for yield and quality improvement. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.58 for fruit number to 0.95 for pulp weight. Strong and positive genetic correlations were observed among traits related to fruit size and weight, ranging from 0.94 (fruit length–fruit diameter) to 0.97 (fruit weight–fruit diameter). Based on the predicted genetic values of nine fruit traits, different genotype rankings were obtained. The top 20 % of genotypes (PF102 and PF115) were identified using a selection index for fruit yield and soluble solids, achieving gains of 59.11 % and 6.68 %, respectively. Additionally, the study assessed weight loss and storage quality, revealing that PF101 had the longest shelf life, lasting 40 days. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting genotypes in passion fruit breeding programs aimed at improving yield, quality, and post-harvest performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 114411"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals flavonoid-mediated cold adaptation in rootstock ‘Totosga’","authors":"Zongyi Zhang ,&nbsp;Junli Sun ,&nbsp;Wenting Zhai ,&nbsp;Chunmei Zhu ,&nbsp;Zhiyu Liu ,&nbsp;Dongliang Zhang ,&nbsp;Anqi Xie ,&nbsp;Wenchao Shi ,&nbsp;Shujun Liu ,&nbsp;Jianrong Feng ,&nbsp;Baolong Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114414","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114414","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To investigate chilling injury mitigation in off-season solanaceousvegetable production, this study conducted physiological and multi-omics analyses on six rootstock cultivars—'Totosga' (TTS), 'Jingfeng 808′ (JF), 'Torubam' (TLB), 'Qiangli' (QL), 'Jinzuan No.1′ (JZ), and 'Weiershengen' (WS)—under low-temperature stress. Among these, the cold-tolerant genotype 'Totosga' exhibited superior photosynthetic integrity, membrane stability, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling identified 2517 differentially expressed genes (1015 upregulated; 1502 downregulated) and 2728 differential metabolites (1465 increased; 1263 decreased) under cold stress. Transcriptomic alterations predominantly affected photosynthesis-related pathways and calcium-mediated signal transduction, whereas metabolomic changes were concentrated in secondary metabolic processes. Integrative omics analysis revealed significant enrichment in flavonoid biosynthesis, identifying eight hub genes (e.g., <em>PAL2, CHS2, FLS</em>) and 16 key metabolites (e.g., isoliquiritigenin, calycosin) as regulatory components. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that 'Totosga' enhances cold adaptation through coordinated flavonoid metabolic reprogramming, characterized by (1) flavanol biosynthesis suppression, (2) isoflavonoid pathway activation, and (3) glycosylation/hydroxylation modifications for metabolite stabilization. Therefore, these findings elucidate the molecular basis of rootstock cold adaptation and provide valuable genetic resources for developing stress-resilient solanaceous cultivars.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"351 ","pages":"Article 114414"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}