Summary
This multi-omics study demonstrates that both soil chemical properties and the root-associated microbiome synergistically enhance monoterpene accumulation in mandarin citrus from geo-authentic production regions. Elevated soil salinity, magnesium, manganese and potassium promoted terpene synthesis gene expression, whilst rhizosphere and endophytic microorganisms further boosted monoterpene production through host immune system interactions and provision of terpene precursors. The findings provide evidence-based support for optimising fruit bioactive compound content through targeted fertilisation strategies and precision microbiota management.
UK applicability
The soil conditions and microbiome mechanisms identified here (salinity tolerance, mineral nutrition effects) may have limited direct applicability to UK citrus production, which is restricted to protected cultivation and typically focuses on commercial rather than medicinal varieties. However, the methodological framework linking soil environment and microbiota to secondary metabolite accumulation could inform UK horticulture research on protected crops and high-value plant production.
Key measures
Monoterpene content in citrus peel; soil nutrient composition (salinity, Mg, Mn, K); gene expression profiles for salt stress response and terpene backbone synthase; root microbiome composition; microbial community function via SynCom validation
Outcomes reported
The study identified how soil environmental conditions (salinity, magnesium, manganese, potassium) and root-associated microbiota influence monoterpene accumulation in Citrus reticulata 'Chachi' peel. Multi-omics analysis demonstrated that soil microorganisms and host plant gene expression interact to enhance bioactive compound production in geo-authentic production regions.
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