Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Molecular Mechanism of Flower Color Variations in Rosa chinensis Cultivar ‘Rainbow’s End’

Rosa 'Rainbow's End' is an excellent model for studying variations in flower color. The expression patterns of the identified structural genes involved in anthocyanin and carotenoid biosynthesis pathways, along with the related MYB transcription factors, were aligned with the levels of metabolite changes in the petals of four flowering stages. These genes and transcription factors are likely responsible for the color shifts in Rosa 'Rainbow's End'. This study clarifies the mechanisms underlying color changes in Rosa 'Rainbow's End' and provides a theoretical basis for future flower breeding efforts.