Light conditions can cause quantitative and qualitative changes in anthocyanin. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of light quality-regulated anthocyanin accumulation in fruits. In this study, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were applied to explore the effect of red and blue light on strawberry coloration. The results showed contents of total anthocyanins (TA), pelargonidin 3-glucoside (Pg3G) and pelargonidin 3-malonylglucoside (Pg3MG) significantly increased after blue and red light treatment. Pg3G was the major anthocyanin component in strawberry fruits, accounting for more than 80% of TA, whereas Pg3MG accounted for a smaller proportion. Comparative transcriptome analysis was conducted using libraries from the treated strawberries. A total of 1402, 5034, and 3764 differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in three pairwise comparisons (red light versus white light, RL-VS-WL; blue light versus white light, BL-VS-WL; blue light versus red light, BL-VS-RL), respectively. Photoreceptors and light transduction components remained dynamic to up-regulate the expression of regulatory factors and structural genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis under red and white light, whereas most genes had low expression levels that were not consistent with the highest total anthocyanin content under blue light. Therefore, the results indicated that light was an essential environmental factor for anthocyanin biosynthesis before the anthocyanin concentration reached saturation in strawberry fruits, and blue light could quickly stimulate the accumulation of anthocyanin in the fruit. In addition, red light might contribute to the synthesis of proanthocyanidins by inducing LAR and ANR.

Strawberry has received much attention due to its nutritional value, unique flavor, and attractive appearance. The availability of the whole genome sequence and multiple transcriptome databases allows the great possibility to explore gene functions, comprehensively. Gene expression profiles of a target gene can provide clues towards the understanding of its biological function. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is a preferred method for rapid quantification of gene expression. The accuracy of the results obtained by this method requires the reference genes with consistently stable expression to normalize its data. In present study, the expression stability of seven candidate reference genes in diverse sample subsets of different tissues and fruit developmental stages, and plant subjected to light quality and low temperature treatments was evaluated using three statistical algorithms, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper. Our data indicated that the expression stability of reference genes varied under different experimental conditions. Overall, DBP, HISTH4, ACTIN1 and GAPDH expressed much more stably. PIRUV, ACTIN2 and 18S were not recommended for normalization in given experimental conditions due to low stability. In addition, the relative expression pattern of HY5 (ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5) was conducted to further confirm the reliability of the reference genes, which demonstrated the correct adoption of reference genes was of great importance in qRT-PCR analysis. Expression stability of reference genes from strawberry varied across selected experimental conditions. Systematic validation of reference genes prior to calculation of target gene expression level should be done to improve the accuracy and consistency of qRT-PCR analysis.

Peony is an important ornamental plant and has become increasingly popular for cut flower cultivation. However, a short vase life and frequent poor vase quality severely restrict its market value. The study described herein was conducted to investigate the effects of silicon application on the vase life and quality of two cut peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) cultivars, ‘Taebaek’ and ‘Euiseong’. For pre- and/or postharvest silicon application, four experimental groups based on treatments were designed. With silicon treatment, the relevant growth attributes, including the shoot and leaf lengths, stem and bud diameters as well as the leaf width were all remarkably increased. In the postharvest storage, the addition of silicon to the holding solution in the vase was able to significantly extend vase life, delay fresh weight decrease, and improve vase quality, as characterized by the antioxidant enzyme activities and mechanical stem strength. Taken together, silicon application, regardless of the approach, was able to effectively prolong the vase life and enhance the quality of cut peony flowers.

Strawberry fruits accumulate nutritionally critical anthocyanins and phytochemicals through light=quality-dependent metabolic regulation. This review systematically examines spectral modulation strategies for enhancing anthocyanin biosynthesis and fruit quality parameters. We demonstrate that dual red (660 nm) and blue (450 nm) irradiation optimally activates the flavonoid pathway, co-upregulating structural genes (CHS, F3H, DFR, ANS) and regulatory factors (FaMYB10, FaHY5). Mechanistic analyses reveal that blue light preferentially induces upstream phenylpropanoid enzymes (PAL, C4H, CHI), while red light enhances proanthocyanidin production through differential induction of LAR and ANR. Strategic supplementation with UV-C (254 nm, 1–2 kJ/m²/d) and far-red (730 nm, 15 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) improves anthocyanin spatial distribution via stress-mediated epidermal accumulation. Spectral optimization further coordinates flavor development by (1) balancing sucrose–hexose ratios through FaSPS1 modulation, (2) reducing organic acid content via FaMYB44.2 suppression, and (3) amplifying volatile esters (e.g., methyl anthranilate) through SAAT induction. Postharvest UV-C treatment (4 kJ/m²) extends shelf life by 30–35% through microbial inhibition and antioxidant system activation. Practical implementation frameworks propose phase-specific LED protocols related to vegetative growth (R:B = 3:1), flowering (R:B = 1:1), and maturation (R:B = 4:1) stages integrated with environmental sensors in controlled agriculture systems. These findings establish an actionable paradigm for photonic crop management, synergizing molecular precision with commercial horticultural operations to achieve sustainable yield enhancement (projected 22–28% increase) and nutraceutical enrichment.

Tissue culture-based rapid propagation is critical for genetic improvement and virus-free production of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa). This study evaluated the optimal concentration of thidiazuron (TDZ) for shoot multiplication and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Strawberry explants were treated with TDZ at concentrations of 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.4 mg·L⁻¹ in vitro, and growth, physiological changes, and transcriptomic profiles were analyzed after four weeks. The results identified 0.05 mg·L⁻¹ TDZ as the most effective concentration for shoot proliferation, yielding a significant increase in leaf number. However, TDZ application inhibited plant height and reduced chlorophyll, carotenoid, and soluble sugar contents. Physiological analyses revealed that TDZ decreased endogenous cytokinin levels while elevating auxin concentrations. Transcriptomic analysis showed that TDZ suppressed cytokinin biosynthesis and up-regulated cytokinin oxidase expression, thereby modulating hormone homeostasis. Additionally, TDZ enhanced the cytokinin signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell division and shoot initiation, and influenced auxin, gibberellin, and brassinosteroid pathways to regulate differentiation. These findings suggest that TDZ promotes strawberry shoot multiplication primarily through hormone signal transduction, providing insights for optimizing tissue culture protocols.

Silicon (Si) has beneficial effects on not only plant growth but also against biotic and abiotic stresses. However, a few studies focus on how Si application helps strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) resist powdery mildew. The aim of this work was to find out the optimal Si application method before cutting propagation to enhance the resistance to powdery mildew in strawberry “daughter” plants. Naturally infected “mother” plants of ‘Sulhyang’, ‘Maehyang’, and ‘Kuemsil’ strawberries were supplied with Si. Potassium silicate (K₂SiO₃) at a final concentration of 75 mg·L⁻¹ Si was either added to the medium for drenching or sprayed to the leaves of the “mother” or “daughter” plant, or soluble Si fertilizer was used to dress the “mother” plant. The Si application significantly increased the shoot fresh weight of the “daughter” plants. Supplemental Si also increased the contents of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg). In addition, the Si treatment decreased the damage of powdery mildew by increased level of proline content and suppressive reactive oxygen species. After applying Si, the length and density of hyphae on the leaf surface decreased. In addition, the infected area of “daughter” plant leaves covered with powdery mildew decreased. This study also demonstrated that Si increased the expression of resistance-gene and decreased the expression of susceptibility-gene of strawberry. Overall, Si application promoted the growth of the “daughter” plants regardless of the application method. Direct foliar Si spray to the “daughter” plants before cutting propagation is recommended to increase their resistance to powdery mildew.