Multiomics analysis reveals the mechanisms underlying the different floral colors and fragrances of Rosa hybrida cultivars

UPLC-MS/MS and HS-SPME-GC-MS reveal the flavor profiles of two geographical indications woody vegetables: Staphylea bumalda and Staphylea holocarpa

Staphylea bumalda (SHC) and Staphylea holocarpa (PGG) were recognized as geographical indication agricultural products due to unique flavor. 1218 differential non-volatile compounds and 536 differential volatile compounds were detected and identified through UPLC-MS/MS and HS-SPME-GC-MS methods. In SHC samples, catechins, epicatechins, proanthocyanidins, quinic acid derivatives, and kaempferol glycoside derivatives were the main flavor compounds, with bitter and harsh taste. L-tartaric acid, citraconic acid and citric acid were contributed to increase acidity. 4-Hexen-1-ol acetate, butanoic acid butyl ester, 3-Hexen-1-ol acetate, (E)-, and 3-Hexen-1-ol acetate, (Z)- were identified as characteristic odor compounds with strong floral, fruity and sweet odor. In PGG samples, epicatechin gallate, quercetin glycoside derivatives, L-histidine, and L-tyrosine were the leading contributors to bitter and harsh taste. The spicy, herbal, and bad smell odor were mainly brought by 2-octanol, and 3-Octen-1-ol, (Z)-. Our results offered comprehensive insights into the flavor and quality characteristics differences between PGG and SHC.

Special issue: Manipulation/regulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants

Medicinal plants, rich sources of valuable natural products with therapeutic potential, play a pivotal role in both traditional and modern medicine. The urgency for mass production and optimized utilization of plant secondary metabolites has intensified, particularly in response to the emergence of diseases following the COVID-19 pandemic. Groundbreaking advancements in genomics and biotechnologies have ushered in a new era of research, transforming our understanding of the biosynthesis, regulation, and manipulation of bioactive molecules in medicinal plants. This special issue serves as a convergence point for a diverse array of original research articles and reviews, collectively aiming to unveil the intricate regulatory mechanisms that govern the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. The issue delves into the exploration of the impact of both abiotic and biotic factors on the regulation of plant secondary metabolites. Furthermore, it extends its focus to innovative approaches, such as molecular breeding and synthetic biology, which provide valuable insights into modifying or enhancing the production of secondary metabolites. The special issue leverages cutting-edge techniques, including genomics, metabolomics, and microbiome characterization, to facilitate understanding the multifaceted aspects of specialized metabolism in medicinal plants. As we navigate through this scientific journey, the contributions within this special issue collectively enhance our knowledge and offer potential avenues for optimizing the production of natural products in medicinal plants.

The scent of roses, a bouquet of fragrance diversity

Roses have been domesticated since antiquity for their therapeutic, cosmetic, and ornamental properties. Their floral fragrance has great economic value, which has influenced the production of rose varieties. The production of rose water and essential oil is one of the most lucrative activities, supplying bioactive molecules to the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic industries. In recent years, major advances in molecular genetics, genomic, and biochemical tools have paved the way for the identification of molecules that make up the specific fragrance of various rose cultivars. The aim of this review is to highlight current knowledge on metabolite profiles, and more specifically on fragrance compounds, as well as the specificities and differences between rose species and cultivars belonging to different rose sections and how they contribute to modern roses fragrance.

Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Accumulation Patterns of Flavonoids and Volatile Compounds in Camellia oleifera Petals with Different Color

To systematically and comprehensively investigate the metabolic characteristics of coloring substances and floral aroma substances in Camellia oleifera petals with different colors, ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and headspace solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) metabolomics methods were applied to determine the metabolic profiles of white, candy-pink and dark-red petals. The results revealed that 270 volatile organic compounds were detected, mainly terpenoids, heterocyclic, esters, hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and alcohols, in which phenylethyl alcohol, lilac alcohol, and butanoic acid, 1-methylhexyl ester, hotrienol, alpha-terpineol and 7-Octen-4-ol, 2-methyl-6-methylene-, (S)-, butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-methylbutyl ester, 2,4-Octadienal, (E,E)- could act as the floral scent compounds. A total of 372 flavonoid compounds were identified, and luteolin, kaempferol, cyanidin and peonidin derivatives were considered as the main coloring substances for candy-pink and dark-red petal coloration. In conclusion, this study intuitively and quantitatively exhibited the variations in flower color and floral scent of C. oleifera petal with different colors caused by changes in variations of flavonoids and volatile organic compound composition, and provided useful data for improving the sensory quality and breeding of C. oleifera petals.