Scientia Horticulturae最新文献

{"title":"Multi-omics analysis reveals membrane lipid metabolites as central hubs in watermelon flesh water-soaking disorder","authors":"Jun Wang,&nbsp;Xianli Wang,&nbsp;Can Kong,&nbsp;Xuanmin Dang,&nbsp;Huang He,&nbsp;Yuanfeng Zhan","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Watermelon water-soaking disorder compromises fruit quality through poorly understood metabolic mechanisms. We integrated phenotypic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses comparing resistant ('07058′) and susceptible ('Yixuan') lines. 'Yixuan' developed severe water-soaking (36.31%) at 30 days after pollination, while '07058′ maintained a low water-soaking ratio (2.54%). Physiological traits were positively (pyruvic acid, cellulase, and malondialdehyde) or negatively (firmness and fructose) correlated with the water-soaking ratio. Comprehensive metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses identified 400 unique differentially accumulated metabolites and 9,995 differentially expressed genes across the three developmental stages. K-means clustering further prioritized 152 core metabolites and 2,209 core genes showing cultivar-specific temporal patterns. Correlation-based integrative analysis identified three membrane-associated metabolites (LPA, PA, and PolyP) as highly connected hubs associated with 13 candidate genes. Pathway enrichment revealed coordinated disruption across redox-mediated membrane degradation, sugar-osmotic dysregulation, and cell wall metabolism dysfunction. These findings support a model in which membrane lipid dysregulation represents a central metabolic feature associated with water-soaking susceptibility and progression. These metabolite and gene candidates provide potential targets for early quality assessment, functional validation, and future breeding strategies aimed at reducing harvest losses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 115177"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148998527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CHI-Phe-Arg coating delays postharvest grape berry softening via the VviNAC25-VviNAC83-VviCESA5 module","authors":"Rui-Ping Feng,&nbsp;Han-Li Liu,&nbsp;Mao-Song Pei,&nbsp;Rui-Min Hu,&nbsp;Charles Ampomah-Dwamena,&nbsp;Xin-Jie Yang,&nbsp;Yun-Lu Song,&nbsp;Ding-Ding Zuo,&nbsp;Guo-Hao Wang,&nbsp;Tong-Lu Wei,&nbsp;Da-Long Guo,&nbsp;Hai-Nan Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115171","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115171","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Table grapes (<em>Vitis vinifera</em> L.) are highly susceptible to postharvest softening and decay. This study investigated the preservative effects and molecular mechanisms of a composite coating consisting of chitosan (CHI) combined with phenylalanine (Phe) and arginine (Arg), designated as CHI-Phe-Arg, on ‘Kyoho’ table grapes. This composite coating significantly suppressed postharvest decay, berry abscission, and weight loss, inhibited the activities of cell wall-degrading enzymes (PG and Cx), and delayed fruit softening. To elucidate its molecular mechanism, transcriptome sequencing was performed on grape berries at 3 d, 6 d, and 9 d post-treatment. Transcriptome analysis identified two significantly upregulated NAC transcription factors, VviNAC25 and VviNAC83, as well as the cellulose synthase gene <em>VviCESA5</em>. Promoter analysis revealed the presence of NAC-binding sites (CATGTG/CGTA/TACG/CGTG) in the <em>VviCESA5</em> promoter. Dual-luciferase and yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed that VviNAC25 and VviNAC83 directly bind to and activate the transcription of <em>VviCESA5</em>, exhibiting a synergistic effect. Luciferase complementation imaging (LCI) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays further confirmed the interaction between VviNAC25 and VviNAC83, supporting their formation of a transcription factor complex. Transient overexpression assays further demonstrated that co-expression of <em>VviNAC25</em> and <em>VviNAC83</em> significantly enhanced the expression of <em>VviCESA5</em>. In conclusion, the CHI-Phe-Arg composite coating delays grape softening by activating the VviNAC25/VviNAC83-<em>VviCESA5</em> transcriptional module, providing a theoretical basis for developing chitosan-amino acid composite coating technologies for grape preservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 115171"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148998524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Second curing suppresses rot and promotes temporal development of wound-healing tissue in sweet potato","authors":"Naohiro Arakida,&nbsp;Ken Watanabe,&nbsp;Yuya Mochizuki,&nbsp;Eiichi Inoue","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115157","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115157","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exports of sweet potato (<em>Ipomoea batatas</em> (L.) Lam.) from Japan have increased in recent years; however, soft rot during transportation remains a major problem. Although conventional curing just after harvest improved the storability of sweet potatoes, washing before export caused new surface wounds, creating entry points for pathogens and increasing the risk of infection during transportation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of second curing (SC), applied after washing, on developing a new cork layer and on suppressing rot in stored sweet potato roots.</div><div>Tuberous roots subjected to conventional curing and storage were washed and treated with SC, and rot incidence was compared with that of non-treated controls under simulated transportation and retail conditions. SC significantly reduced the percentage of rotten tuberous roots and suppressed rot symptoms throughout the storage period.</div><div>Microscopic observations revealed that SC induced the formation of phellem tissue beneath wounded areas, with clear development observed after 72 h, indicating active wound healing.</div><div>Based on these results, a double curing (DC) strategy—curing immediately after harvest and again after washing prior to shipment—was proposed. This approach effectively reduced rot during postharvest handling and transportation and might improve the stability and economic value of sweet potato distribution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 115157"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148998572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Divergent regulation of auxin homeostasis and stress responses shape adventitious rooting competence in contrasting Corylus genotypes","authors":"Pietro Carraro,&nbsp;Leonardo Buzzicotti,&nbsp;Diego Bujazha,&nbsp;Davide Fanelli,&nbsp;Laura Ravazzolo,&nbsp;Alberto Nonis,&nbsp;Nenad Magazin,&nbsp;Biserka Milić,&nbsp;Ivan A. Paponov,&nbsp;Claudio Bonghi,&nbsp;Silvia Quaggiotti,&nbsp;Benedetto Ruperti","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115120","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115120","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Corylus colurna</em> represents a non-suckering rootstock for modern hazelnut cultivation; however, its practical deployment is severely constrained by extreme recalcitrance of woody cuttings to adventitious rooting (AR). To investigate the molecular basis of this limitation, we compared auxin-mediated AR induction in micropropagated stem cuttings of the rooting-competent <em>C. avellana</em> (cv. Giffoni) and of the rooting-recalcitrant <em>C. colurna</em> (clone CC8).</div><div>We first established a tissue-specific expression atlas of auxin transporter genes, identifying <em>CaPIN2</em> and <em>CaPIN5.3</em> as root-specific markers, and validated <em>CaUBQ14</em> and <em>CaPP2</em> as stable reference genes for cross-species RT-qPCR analyses in <em>Corylus</em>. RNA-Seq-based genome-wide profiling of basal tissues from micropropagated cuttings during AR induction revealed that Giffoni efficiently co-regulates <em>LBD</em>-dependent signalling with a dynamic auxin homeostatic control, via <em>CaGH3.5-</em> and <em>CaIAR4</em>-mediated auxin conjugation and release, respectively, to coordinate root primordia formation and cell wall remodelling. Conversely, the recalcitrant CC8 <em>Colurna</em> genotype is characterised by a constitutive defensive state marked by the upregulation of cytokinin and ABA signalling and by a robust antioxidant response, exemplified by its near-exclusive accumulation of the glutaredoxin <em>CaGRX370</em> transcript. In addition, a distinct \"auxin-depleting\" regulatory landscape was uncovered in <em>C. colurna,</em> characterised by chronic auxin metabolism associated with a ∼50-fold higher basal expression of the auxin catabolic gene <em>CaDAO1</em> and a sustained IBA-induced upregulation of the intracellular auxin-sequestering carrier <em>CaPIN5.3</em>. These findings provide a comprehensive molecular framework to inform strategies aimed at improving AR in hazelnut.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 115120"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148894526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The co-application of Piriformospora indica and vermicompost enhances the drought resistance of apple","authors":"Qi Zhao,&nbsp;Jianghao Chai,&nbsp;Huizhen Wang,&nbsp;Suixia Lang,&nbsp;Qian Li,&nbsp;Meichun Chen,&nbsp;Chunzhen Cheng,&nbsp;Lei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115146","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115146","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change has increased drought frequency in Loess Plateau apple-producing regions. Vermicompost (Vc) and <em>Piriformospora indica</em> (Pi) have been reported to improve plant drought resistance. However, the effects of their combined application on apple growth, soil environment and soil microbial community under drought remains unexplored. Here, we investigated these effects through a 90 days pot experiment with four treatments (control, Vc, Pi, Pi+Vc) under well-watered (WW) and drought stress (DS). The results indicated DS inhibited plant growth and nutrient uptake, and also increased the levels of H₂O₂ and MDA. However, Pi+Vc treatment significantly increased relative growth rate (RGR), and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and nutrient absorption under DS, but did not significantly affect biomass accumulation. Vc and Pi+Vc improved soil nutrients and enzyme activities under both WW and DS, whereas Pi alone showed no significant benefit. Although the treatments differentially affected bacterial and fungal diversity, the co-application of Pi and Vc enhanced microbial diversity under DS. Individual or combined Pi and Vc altered the structure and composition of microbial communities, and increased microbial co-occurrence network modularity. PLS-SEM analysis further demonstrated that the co-application of Pi and Vc promote the plant growth were closely related to bacterial community restructuring under DS. Collectively, this study suggests that combined Pi and Vc application hold potential for improving apple seedling drought tolerance, providing a foundation for future field-based validation on the Loess Plateau.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 115146"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148894530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"YOLO-TDC: A lightweight network for tea bud detection and counting of the large-leaf black tea in UAV imagery","authors":"Jinpeng Yang,&nbsp;Shuqi Tang,&nbsp;Xinyu Jiang,&nbsp;Yuhao Zhou,&nbsp;Yijie He,&nbsp;Ruijun Ma,&nbsp;Jinchi Tang,&nbsp;Shuanglong Wu,&nbsp;Zhiwei Zeng,&nbsp;Long Qi","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115153","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115153","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate detection and counting of tea buds in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery are essential for rapid tea plantation monitoring and yield estimation. However, nadir-view images of large-leaf tea canopies are often affected by uneven illumination, dense bud–leaf occlusion, complex backgrounds, and substantial scale variation, while existing detectors frequently struggle to balance detection accuracy and model compactness. To address these challenges, we propose YOLO-TDC, a lightweight network for tea bud detection and counting in UAV imagery. A UAV image dataset containing 2300 images and 43,885 annotated tea buds of the large-leaf black tea cultivar <em>Yinghong No 9</em> was constructed. Based on YOLOv8n, YOLO-TDC incorporates a MobileViT backbone for lightweight global feature extraction, CARAFE for content-aware feature reconstruction, and a Lightweight Occlusion-aware Context Aggregation module for multi-scale contextual representation. A loss strategy combining SlideLoss and Normalized Wasserstein Distance was further employed to improve hard-sample learning and small-scale object localization. YOLO-TDC achieved 76.2% precision, 78.8% recall, and 84.6% [email protected], exceeding YOLOv8n by 6.1 percentage points in [email protected]. The model contained 2.42 M parameters, had a size of 5.3 MB, and achieved an inference speed of 51.0 FPS under the experimental hardware configuration. For counting, it achieved the highest <span><math><mrow><mi>R</mi><mi>²</mi></mrow></math></span> of 0.86 among the compared models and a mean relative counting accuracy (<span><math><msub><mi>A</mi><mtext>count</mtext></msub></math></span>) of 84.53% on field UAV images. These results demonstrate that YOLO-TDC provides an accurate and compact approach for UAV-based tea bud detection and counting and can supply bud-count information for subsequent yield estimation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 115153"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148934005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Redox regulation is associated with potassium nitrate-induced flowering and fruit set in mango cultivars under post-typhoon tropical conditions","authors":"Richard Raj Singh,&nbsp;Aryanna Sanele","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115145","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115145","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flowering induction in mango (<em>Mangifera indica</em> L.) is strongly influenced by genotype, environmental conditions, and physiological status; however, the relationship between potassium nitrate (KNO₃)-induced flowering and oxidative regulation under tropical stress conditions remains poorly understood. In this study, fourteen mango cultivars maintained under post-Super typhoon field conditions in Guam were evaluated to determine cultivar-dependent differences in vegetative recovery, reproductive development, reactive oxygen species H₂O₂ accumulation, and antioxidant responses following KNO₃ application. Significant variation in plant height and canopy architecture was observed among cultivars, indicating differential vegetative recovery and canopy restructuring capacity. Although all cultivars exhibited vegetative responses to KNO₃ application, only Duncan, Carabao, and Hatcher developed measurable reproductive responses suitable for detailed reproductive and biochemical analyses. Duncan initiated reproductive development after a single KNO₃ application and exhibited coordinated progression from floral initiation through successful fruit formation, whereas Carabao and Hatcher showed delayed flowering responses requiring a second KNO₃ application and failed to sustain fruit development despite high flowering efficiencies. Sequential developmental observations confirmed that reproductive development occurred predominantly on mature terminal shoots, progressing from vegetative flushing to floral initiation, anthesis, and fruit set predominantly on mature terminal shoots. Biochemical analyses demonstrated cultivar-dependent differences in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation and ascorbate metabolism. Duncan maintained lower H₂O₂ concentrations together with higher reduced and total ascorbate levels relative to Carabao and Hatcher. Overall, the results indicate that cultivar-specific differences in H₂O₂ accumulation and antioxidant homeostasis were associated with contrasting reproductive responses following KNO₃ application. These findings provide new physiological insight into genotype-dependent flowering responses in mango recovering from post-typhoon tropical stress conditions and highlight the importance of redox regulation as a potential component of successful reproductive development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 115145"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148916846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genome-wide association study and transcriptome analysis reveal fruit size-related genes in Lycium barbarum","authors":"Changjian Shi,&nbsp;Yingzhi Qin,&nbsp;Luxi Li,&nbsp;Xiangyv Meng,&nbsp;Yvchang Wang,&nbsp;Zixuan Wang,&nbsp;Tong Liu,&nbsp;Wei Zhu,&nbsp;Yanqi Hou,&nbsp;Wen hao Bo,&nbsp;Guoli Dai,&nbsp;Ken Qin,&nbsp;Jinhuan Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115140","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115140","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The commercial value of <em>Lycium barbarum</em> (wolfberry) is largely determined by fruit appearance, with fruit size being a key factor affecting yield and marketability, yet its genetic regulation remains unclear. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on fruit size-related traits using resequencing data from 224 wolfberry accessions. The traits showed extensive phenotypic variation and a normal distribution. Population structure analysis classified the accessions into three subpopulations. GWAS identified 87 significant loci, and screening genes within 50 kb upstream and downstream uncovered 230 candidate genes, most of which are potentially involved in fruit development. Transcriptome analysis across developmental stages showed that 77 of these genes were differentially expressed, with peak expression at the S3 and S5 stages. Genotype analysis confirmed the phenotypic effects of the 87 loci. Haplotype analysis further pinpointed that the Hap2 haplotype of two genes, <em>LbZf-BED</em> (<em>evm.TU.chr03.3991</em>) and <em>LbGT5</em> (<em>evm.TU.chr12.3437</em>), which significantly associated with increased fruit transverse diameter (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Together, these findings reveal novel candidate genes for fruit size in wolfberry and provide valuable genetic resources for marker-assisted breeding.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 115140"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148916876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modeling strawberry dry matter partitioning, and yield estimation in greenhouse hydroponic production","authors":"Maverick C. Mariquit,&nbsp;Melba Salazar-Gutiérrez,&nbsp;Bernardo Chaves-Cordoba,&nbsp;Elina Coneva,&nbsp;Brenda V. Ortiz,&nbsp;Kathy Lawrence,&nbsp;Penelope Perkins-Veazie,&nbsp;Edgar L. Vinson","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115141","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115141","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Precise modeling of dry matter (DM) accumulation captures the biomass production and allocation patterns influencing total strawberry yield in greenhouse hydroponic systems. Current models often lack robust integration of canopy development, DM partitioning, and yield formation over multiple production years and cultivars. In this study, a deterministic, modeling framework based on Euler’s method was developed to simulate temporal patterns of aboveground DM accumulation, partitioning, and yield in day-neutral strawberries under greenhouse conditions. The model was parameterized and validated using ‘Albion’ and ‘San Andreas’ cultivars grown in three consecutive production cycles (2022–2025) in Auburn, Alabama, USA. The model captured the relationships between light interception and leaf area index (<em>LAI</em>), across all experimental years (R² = 0.70–0.89, RMSE =0.06–0.18). Simulated vegetative and total DM followed a sigmoidal pattern consistent with observations, and model performance across plant organs (leaves, crowns, flowers, fruits,) showed high agreement (R² = 0.88–0.99). Over three years, marketable yield was comprised of 60–75% of total yield. In Years 1–3, 'Albion' had a marketable yield of 63, 60, and 75%, while 'San Andreas' had 61, 72, and 74%, respectively. Although economic value is determined by marketable yield, the model simulates the total yield potential where DM allocation reflects growth processes rather than fruit quality determinants of marketability. Higher yields observed in the third production year were associated with increased allocation of DM to reproductive organs. Fruit and flower DM were positively correlated with yield, whereas vegetative and total DM showed a negative association, indicating that reproductive partitioning plays a key role in yield variability. Sensitivity analysis identified light-use efficiency (<em>LUE</em>) as the primary driver of simulated yield across cultivars and years. The extinction coefficient <em>k</em> had a secondary influence under conditions of incomplete light interception. Overall, the model provides an integrated framework linking canopy development, DM accumulation and distribution, and total yield in controlled environments. Further validation across diverse conditions and genotypes and incorporating crop development partitioning will enhance its broader applicability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 115141"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149022403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating electronic sensory analysis and multi-omics to decode carrot flavor and regulatory networks","authors":"Yingchao Xu,&nbsp;Jitong Zhu,&nbsp;Jiayu Luo,&nbsp;Huihui Han,&nbsp;Shudan Xue,&nbsp;Wenlong Luo,&nbsp;Feiyun Zhuang,&nbsp;Xing Liu,&nbsp;Qingmin Jin,&nbsp;Weijian Zhou,&nbsp;Lei Chen,&nbsp;Yujuan Zhong","doi":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115167","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.scienta.2026.115167","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carrot flavor strongly influences commercial value and consumer preference. In this study, five carrot cultivars were analyzed using HS-SPME-GC–MS, GC<img>O-MS, HPLC, E-nose, and E-tongue. A total of 138 flavor-related metabolites were identified, including 104 volatile and 34 non-volatile compounds, with 17 of the volatiles identified as odor-active compounds. Terpenoids and aldehydes were major contributors to cultivar-specific flavor differences. Six volatiles, including terpinolene, caryophyllene, myristicin, γ-terpinene, p-(1-propenyl)-toluene, and p-cymen-8-ol, were identified as potential aroma markers differentiating the five cultivars. E-nose sensors W1W, W2W and W5S, together with E-tongue responses for umami, sweetness and bitterness sensors, effectively discriminated among the five carrot cultivars. Terpinolene and p-cymene were strongly correlated with W1W responses, while the E-tongue sweetness response was positively associated with glucose, fructose, and erythritol, and the umami response was associated with specific amino acids and organic acids. Integrative metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses identified candidate genes and transcription factors potentially associated with terpene biosynthesis and sugar metabolism. Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays showed that DcWRKY40 and DcWRKY71 bind to and activate the <em>DcINV3</em> promoter, supporting their identification as candidate positive regulators of <em>DcINV3</em>. These findings link instrumental sensory responses with flavor-related metabolites and candidate molecular regulators, providing a basis for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying carrot flavor variation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21679,"journal":{"name":"Scientia Horticulturae","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 115167"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148980284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}