Integrated metabolome and transcriptome analysis of differences in quality of ripe Lycium barbarum L. fruits harvested at different periods

• DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-04751-z
• Publication Date: 2024-02-02T04:53:36Z
• Authors: Deshuai Liu; Miao Yuan; Ye Wang; Li Zhang; Wenkong Yao; Mei Feng
• Keywords: Lycium; Phytochemical

Abstract Background Wolfberry is well-known for its high nutritional value and medicinal benefits. Due to the continuous ripening nature of Goji berries fact that they can be commercially harvested within a few weeks, their phytochemical composition may change during harvesting process at different periods. Result The involved molecular mechanisms difference in fruit quality ripe Lycium barbarum L. four periods were investigated by transcriptomic metabolomics analyses first time. According results we obtained, it was found appearance fruits picked beginning season superior, while accumulation sugar substances end better. At same time vitamin C carotenoids content wolfberry summer richer. Ascorbic acid, succinic glutamic phenolic acids have significant changes transcription metabolism levels. Through network metabolic map, ascorbic glutamine related enzyme genes differentially accumulated expressed Nevertheless, these metabolites played important roles ascorbate–glutathione recycling system. system antioxidant effects, which makes more line with market demand health care concepts. Conclusion This study laid foundation understanding regulatory differences periods, provides theoretical basis enhancing fruits.