The PpBOS1–PpSWEET7 regulatory module orchestrates hexose accumulation in peach fruit

Abstract Sugars, as the main products of photosynthesis, play a vital role in plant growth and development, serving as a critical metric for fruit quality by affecting their sweetness and flavor. In peach (Prunus persica), sugar accumulation is a key factor that defines market value during ripening, a process heavily dependent on the activity of sugar transporters. However, the roles of Sugar will eventually be exported transporters (SWEETs) in peach fruits remain to be elucidated. Here, we identified PpSWEET7 as a significant contributor to hexose accumulation during peach fruit development. Functional validation analysis showed that overexpression of PpSWEET7 in peach fruits and tomato significantly elevated glucose and fructose levels, underscoring its versatile role in sugar transport. In addition, we identified a MYB transcription factor, PpBOS1, by dual-luciferase assay, which was capable of binding to the AC-box on the promoter to trans-activate the expression of PpSWEET7. These findings provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying sugar accumulation in peach fruits and pave the way for potential applications in improving fruit quality.