Metabolomics analysis uncovered the dynamic changes and aroma characteristics of volatile metabolites in Dendrobium thyrsiflorum at different flowering stages

• The first volatilome map of D. thyrsiflorum reveals 334 metabolites. • Molecular basis of the premium full bloom aroma decoded via metabolite-scent linkage. • The full bloom stage is the optimal harvest time for peak aroma. • Twelve-two aroma biomarkers establish a scientific basis for quality-oriented harvest. • Three key biosynthetic pathways regulating the desirable aroma formation are uncovered. The flowers of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum possess a distinctive aroma and serve as an important member of horticultural plants. Their components vary significantly at different flowering stages, thereby influencing the sensory characteristics perceived by consumers. However, systematic research on the aroma characteristics and component profiles of D. thyrsiflorum at different flowering stages has not been fully elucidated. We speculate that there is a unique spectrum of volatile metabolites in the full bloom period, which is the basis for the formation of its unique aroma. This study aims to test this hypothesis by analyzing the dynamic changes of volatile compounds. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) combined with multivariate statistical analysis methods were used to systematically analyze the dynamic changes of volatile metabolites in D. thyrsiflorum during different flowering stages. There are 22 volatile metabolites can serve as aroma components to distinguish the full bloom stage from other stages, and five key volatile metabolites were further screened out, which jointly contributed to the unique sweet, minty, fresh, and floral aroma during this stage. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these aromas were mainly regulated by three major synthetic pathways. Flavor metabolomics results demonstrated that compared to other developmental stages, the full bloom stage exhibits significantly more distinct and pleasant flavor characteristics. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for optimizing the flower harvesting period of D. thyrsiflorum and provides a scientific basis for its comprehensive utilization.