Germplasm-specific phenolic signatures in pear leaves: Comparative variation profiling via UPLC-MS/MS

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Biochemistry
• Phytochemistry

Background:

• Pear (Pyrus L.) leaves are rich in phenolic compounds, which are crucial for their functional properties.
• Understanding the diversity and distribution of these phenolics is essential for optimizing their use.
• Previous research has not comprehensively profiled phenolics across a wide range of pear varieties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively analyze the phenolic profiles in the leaves of 460 pear varieties.
• To identify specific phenolic compounds and quantify their abundance.
• To investigate the species-specific and spatial variations in phenolic content.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for phenolic compound analysis.
• Analyzed leaf samples from 460 distinct pear varieties.
• Quantified 28 identified phenolic compounds, including hydroxyphenyl-glucopyranoside, hydroxycinnamates, flavanols, flavonoids, and flavonols.

Main Results:

• Identified 28 phenolic compounds, with arbutin being the predominant component (60.36% of total phenolics).
• Observed significant species-specific and spatial variations in phenolic profiles.
• Found higher concentrations of rutin in European pears and luteolin 7-O-glucoside in Asian pears.
• Correlated chlorogenic acid with altitude and luteolin 7-O-glucoside/chrysoeriol 7-O-glucoside with latitude.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a detailed phenolic profile for a large collection of pear varieties.
• Phenolic compound distribution is influenced by genetic factors (species) and environmental factors (altitude, latitude).
• This comprehensive data can guide the selection of pear varieties for specific bioactive compound utilization and understanding plant adaptation.