Integrative Analysis of Terpenoid Profiles and Hormones from Fruits of Red-Flesh Citrus Mutants and Their Wild Types

Abstract

In citrus color mutants, the levels of carotenoid constituents and other secondary metabolites are different in their corresponding wild types. Terpenoids are closely related to coloration, bitterness, and flavor. In this study, terpenoid profiles and hormones in citrus fruits of two red-flesh mutants—Red Anliu orange and Red-flesh Guanxi pummelo—and their corresponding wild types were investigated using GC/MS, HPLC, and LC-MS/MS. Results showed that Red Anliu orange (high in carotenoids) and Anliu orange (low in carotenoids) accumulated low levels of limonoid aglycones but high levels of monoterpenoids; conversely, Red-flesh Guanxi pummelo (high in carotenoids) and Guanxi pummelo (deficient in carotenoids) accumulated high levels of limonoid aglycones but low levels of monoterpenoids. However, isopentenyl diphosphate was present at similar levels. A correlation analysis indicated that jasmonic and salicylic acids might play important roles in regulating terpenoid biosynthesis. Additionally, the similarities of carotenoid and volatile profiles between each mutant and its corresponding wild type were greater than those between the two mutants or the two wild types. The flux balance of terpenoid metabolism in citrus fruit tends toward stability among various citrus genera that have different terpenoid profiles. Bud mutations could influence metabolite profiles of citrus fruit to a limited extent.

Keywords

• carotenoids
• aromas
• bitter compounds
• hormones
• citrus