Revealing the synergistic effects of Qupi-shaping pattern and spatial variation on high-temperature Daqu attributes

Enhancing high-temperature Daqu (HTD) attributes is essential for producing high-quality sauce-flavor Baijiu . In this study, we conducted polyphase detection technology to elucidate the synergistic effects of Qupi -shaping pattern and spatial variation on HTD attributes. Metagenomics sequencing demonstrated that Pediococcus , Kroppenstedtia , Oceanbacillus and Lichtheimia were dominant genera, with P . pentosaceus , K . eburnea and L . ramosa being particularly prevalent. Neutral Community Model analysis highlighted that Qupi -shaping pattern and spatial variation influenced stochastic factors of microbiota assembly. Consequently, differentiated microbiota structure emerged, particularly the distribution of functional microbes. The mechanical-pressing (MP) pattern significantly amplified the spatial heterogeneity of microbiota structure. Co-occurrence network analysis showcased that MP pattern declined stability and robustness of microbial co-occurrence network of HTD by regulating microbial interaction. The differential abundance of enzymes within key metabolic pathways generated significantly distinct metabolic characteristics in HTD. P . pentosaceus , O . indicireducens , O . caeni and K . eburnea were dominant contributors to this diversification. This study examined the synergistic effects of Q upi-shaping pattern and spatial variation on HTD attributes by exploring the relationships between microbiota, functional characteristics, and metabolites. Additionally, it provided methodological references for further research to uncover the underlying scientific principles in HTD production process. • Qupi -shaping pattern and spatial variation affect HTD attributes synergistically. • Mechanical-pressing pattern diminished stochastic factors for microbiota assembly. • Functional microbiota diversifying metabolic phenotype was identified.