Variations in phenolic acid metabolites among Forsythia suspensa populations in response to environmental heterogeneity

These findings demonstrated that phenolic acids accumulation in <i>F. suspensa</i> was primarilydriven by temperature heterogeneity, with precipitation as a secondary factor, whereas adaptation to elevation plays a minimal role. This study systematically investigated the divergence and environmental drivers of phenolic acids in <i>F. suspensa</i> populations, clarifying the molecular ecological mechanisms behind its adaptation toenvironmental heterogeneity and thereby offering important insights into how ecological factors shape the medicinal potential of <i>F. suspensa</i>, ultimately informing targeted breeding and optimized field management.