β-1,3-Glucanases (Glu) are key enzymes involved in plant defense and physiological processes through the hydrolysis of β-1,3-glucans. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the β-1,3-glucanase gene family in wolfberry (Lycium barbarum), including their chromosomal distribution, evolutionary relationships, and expression profiles. A total of 58 Glu genes were identified, distributed across all 12 chromosomes. Evolutionary analysis revealed six distinct branches within wolfberry and nine distinct branches when compared with Arabidopsis thaliana. Expression analysis showed that 45 Glu genes were expressed in berries, with specific genes also being expressed in flowers and leaves. Notably, LbaGlu28 exhibited significant expression during the tetrad stage of pollen development and was localized in the cell wall. These findings provide valuable insights into the functional significance of Glu genes in wolfberry, highlighting their roles in development and their potential involvement in reproductive processes, particularly in pollen development.

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) flavor synthesis, we integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses on the ‘Lingwuchangzao’ cultivar across seven developmental stages. Our multi-omics approach detected 750 metabolites, categorized into 11 primary and 35 secondary classes, with K-means clustering revealing significant stage-specific variations in sugars, alcohols, and organic acids. KEGG enrichment analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in key metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate metabolism and plant hormone signal transduction, showing dynamic changes during development. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further pinpointed gene networks related to starch/sucrose and carbon metabolism, and eight novel genes linked to starch and fatty acid metabolism. Notably, the white ripening stage (BS) emerged as the critical phase for flavor compound accumulation, offering new molecular insights and targets for quality improvement.