The variations of volatile and metabolite compounds in potato from different areas of China: the critical role of geographical factors

Potato is an important food resource around the world. Potato cultivar Qingshu 9 is widely planted in China. To study the influence of geographical factors on potato composition, Qingshu 9 was planted in five areas of China and the resulting potatoes were collected and analysed. The results showed large differences in basic nutrients, volatile compounds, and metabolites between Qingshu 9 from different areas. The characteristic volatile and metabolite compounds in different areas were identified, such as 2-pentyl-Furan in J9 from Shanxi; methyl-cyclopentane in D9 from Yunnan; and ferulic acid in M9 from Inner Mongolia. The differences in volatile compounds were correlated with the shikimate pathway-induced aromatic amino acid synthesis. Geographical factors, such as soil pH, sunlight, and moisture, were significantly correlated with the volatile and metabolite compounds in Qingshu 9. Together, these results highlight the significant influence of cultivation region and geographical factors on the metabolic composition and flavor profiles of potatoes, providing reference for the optimization of regional farming practices and demand-oriented potato selection in the food industry.