What metabolomics has taught us about tomato fruit ripening and quality

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a major crop and model species for investigating fruit metabolism, which plays a crucial role in determining flavor, nutritional quality, and ripening. Metabolomics has profoundly expanded our comprehension of tomato fruit ripening and quality by unraveling the intricate biochemical dynamics underlying these processes. Leveraging high-throughput metabolite profiling, researchers have identified critical metabolic pathways governing ripening, encompassing phytohormones, primary metabolism, and specialized metabolism. Integrated metabolomics, in combination with whole-genome sequencing, genome-wide association studies, and quantitative trait locus analysis, provides a comprehensive approach to identifying key genetic and metabolomic determinants of agronomic traits. Here we provide both established and emerging insights into the metabolic networks governing tomato ripening, emphasizing the potential of metabolomics-assisted breeding to enhance fruit taste and nutrition.