Enhanced ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis in leaves, flowers and fruits of plants. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of enhanced UV-B radiation on the accumulation of anthocyanins in the tubers of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) remain unclear. Herein, reciprocal grafting experiments were first conducted using colored and uncolored potatoes, demonstrating that the anthocyanins in potato tubers were synthesized in situ, and not transported from the leaves to the tubers. Furthermore, the enhanced UV-B radiation (2.5 kJ·m⁻²·d⁻¹) on potato stems and leaves significantly increased the contents of total anthocyanin and monomeric pelargonidin and peonidin in the red-fleshed potato ‘21-1’ tubers, compared to the untreated control. A comparative transcriptomic analysis showed that there were 2139 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under UV-B treatment in comparison to the control, including 1724 up-regulated and 415 down-regulated genes. The anthocyanin-related enzymatic genes in the tubers such as PAL, C4H, 4CL, CHS, CHI, F3H, F3’5’H, ANS, UFGTs, and GSTs were up-regulated under UV-B treatment, except for a down-regulated F3’H. A known anthocyanin-related transcription factor StbHLH1 also showed a significantly higher expression level under UV-B treatment. Moreover, six differentially expressed MYB transcription factors were remarkably correlated to almost all anthocyanin-related enzymatic genes. Additionally, a DEGs enrichment analysis suggested that jasmonic acid might be a potential UV-B signaling molecule involved in the UV-B-induced tuber biosynthesis of anthocyanin. These results indicated that enhanced UV-B radiation in potato stems and leaves induced anthocyanin accumulation in the tubers by regulating the enzymatic genes and transcription factors involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of enhanced UV-B radiation that regulate the anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato tubers.

The quality of the flavor of potatoes is a crucial determinant in the commercial success of a potato variety. Plant nutrition promotes the synthesis of amino acids, and the application of exogenous amino acids has the potential to enhance the flavor quality of potatoes. In this experiment, Dian Shu 1418 and Dian Shu 23 were used as the materials, and different amino acid foliar spray trials were designed. The free amino acid content in potato tubers is determined based on high-performance liquid chromatography, and volatile tuber flavor compounds are detected using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed that the amino acid foliar spray effectively increased the content of glycine, methionine, and phenylalanine in the tubers, subsequently increasing the levels of 2,3-dimethyl-pyrazine and 2-ethyl-3-methyl-pyrazine, enhancing the roasted fragrance characteristics of the potatoes. The experimental results provide a reference for cultivating flavor enhancement in potato tubers.

While stamen-focused research has predominantly examined flowering ornamental species, the tissue-specific regulatory mechanisms governing anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato stamens remain poorly understood. To characterize the tissue-specific regulatory mechanisms controlling anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato reproductive and storage organs, this investigation employed the red stamen mutant line ‘BF1811-8’ and the commercial cultivar ‘Atlantic’ as experimental models. Anthocyanin composition and quantification were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while RNA-sequencing coupled with quantitative real-time PCR validation enabled comprehensive analysis of differential gene expression patterns within the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. Biochemical analysis revealed complete absence of anthocyanins across all examined tissues in ‘Atlantic’, whereas ‘BF1811-8’ exhibited tissue-specific anthocyanin profiles: stamens accumulated delphinidin and pelargonidin, while tuber skin and flesh primarily contained pelargonidin and peonidin. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes identified significant representation within secondary metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, and pigmentation processes. The transcription factors StMYB4 and StMYBA1 demonstrated positive regulatory roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis within tuber flesh and skin, respectively, while exhibiting coordinated expression with structural genes including CHS, DFR, ANS, and GST. Notably, StbHLH94 showed stamen-specific regulatory activity and demonstrated transcriptional co-regulation with 3GT. These findings provide crucial insights into the tissue-specific regulatory architecture governing potato anthocyanin biosynthesis, establishing a foundation for elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying tissue-specific pigmentation and advancing functional cultivar development.

With the increasing consumption of mulberry fruits in commercial markets, flavor profiles have emerged as critical determinants of consumer preference and market acceptance. This investigation utilized four Morus laevigata (Morus L.) accessions exhibiting pronounced variations in fruit pigmentation and flavor characteristics as experimental materials. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOF MS) was employed to identify key volatile aromatic compounds, while integrated untargeted metabolomics and transcriptomics approaches were applied to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of flavor biosynthesis. Analysis revealed that aldehydes, ketones, lactones, and heterocyclic compounds constitute the primary volatile organic compounds responsible for M. laevigata flavor complexity. The biosynthesis of these volatile aromatic compounds exhibits a direct correlation with lipid metabolite oxidation pathways. Concurrently, oxidative processes are modulated by M. laevigata flavonoid metabolites with antioxidant properties, which subsequently regulate both the compositional profile and quantitative distribution of volatile aromatic compounds. These findings offer novel insights into the metabolite–volatile compound interactions within mulberry systems, establishing a foundational framework for advancing fruit flavor research and cultivar development programs.

Background: Rainfed rice–potato cropping systems represent an emerging agricultural pattern in Yunnan Province. This study investigates the dynamics of soil nutrient release and microbial community structure under rainfed rice–potato cropping systems. Methods: Four experimental treatments were established using two rice cultivation methods (flooded and rainfed cultivation) as the preceding crop, followed by two distinct potato cultivars: rainfed rice–potato Dianshu 23 (DR), rainfed rice–potato Dianshu 1418 (DY), flooded rice–potato Dianshu 23 (WR), and flooded rice–potato Dianshu 1418 (WY). Soil samples were collected before rice planting and at harvest, as well as before potato planting and at 40-, 80-, and 120-days post-planting. Soil nutrient release dynamics and microbial community composition were analyzed across all treatments. Results: Flooded rice cultivation as the preceding crop exhibited higher soil nutrient depletion compared to rainfed systems, accompanied by more pronounced increases in soil urease and invertase activities. Following potato establishment, rainfed rice–potato systems demonstrated an accelerated release of available nitrogen and potassium during the initial growth period relative to flooded rice–potato systems. At potato harvest, soil urease and invertase activities increased in rainfed rice–potato systems compared to pre-planting levels, while decreasing in flooded rice–potato systems. Proteobacteria constituted the dominant bacterial phylum across all treatments. Rainfed rice cultivation significantly enhanced Cyanobacteria relative abundance, whereas flooded rice cultivation promoted increased Thermodesulfobacteria abundance. Ascomycota dominated fungal communities, with flooded rice showing significantly greater reductions in Ascomycota relative abundance compared to rainfed systems. Rainfed rice–potato systems exhibited superior soil microbial community richness, diversity, and species abundance relative to flooded rice–potato systems. Bacterial genera associated with nitrogen metabolism showed higher relative abundance in rainfed rice–potato systems, as did pathogenic fungal genera. Conclusions: Soil nutrient characteristics and microbial community profiles in rainfed rice–potato cropping systems differ markedly from traditional flooded rice–potato rotation practices. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing water and nutrient management strategies in rainfed rice–potato cropping systems.