Genomic variation drives plant flavor diversification

Plant flavor diversity arises from genomic variation across species and cultivars, yet the mechanisms linking natural genomic variation to flavor-related phenotypes remain insufficiently integrated. Here, we systematically review how diverse forms of genomic variation reshape the biosynthesis, transport, and accumulation of flavor-related metabolites, thereby driving diversification in sweetness, acidity, bitterness, piquancy, astringency, and aroma. We further integrate evidence from genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and functional validation to outline a mechanistic framework linking genomic variation to the molecular and metabolic basis of flavor phenotypes. We then examine how artificial intelligence-assisted breeding and precision gene editing can accelerate the identification of causal variants and enable targeted improvement of flavor-related traits. This framework establishes plant flavor as a mechanism-based target for plant improvement, with broad implications for quality, nutrition, and sustainability.