Rootstock genotype drives a metabolic trade-off between phenylpropanoids and terpenoids in Camellia sinensis
) were upregulated, enhancing precursor supply for volatile synthesis. This demonstrates that the rootstock genotype directs a precise metabolic trade-off in the scion, prioritizing aroma (terpenoids) production over defense (phenylpropanoids) accumulation. Our findings elucidate the molecular basis of grafting-modulated flavor quality and provide a framework for harnessing rootstock-scion interactions to fine-tune metabolic trade-offs in perennial crops.
Authors
- Binmei Sun (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5393-7997)
- Shaoqun Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3255-3710)
- Cheng Ma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0017-2182)
- Hongbo Zhao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4405-1515)
- Peng Zheng (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1590-4777)
- Yaxin Deng
- Yanchun Zheng
Institutions
- South China Agricultural University (CN)
- Southern University of Science and Technology (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Plant Science
- Published
- 2026-04-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2026.1781298
- Primary Topic
- Plant Disease Management Techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00