Combined Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis of Floral Organ Development in Magnolia cavaleriei var. platypetala...

Magnolia cavaleriei var. platypetala 'Tanchun' is a newly registered flower variety in China, known for its characteristic floral aroma that intensifies toward full bloom. However, the composition of the volatiles of this aromatic flower remains uncharacterized. Here, we compared the volatile organic compound composition of Tanchun through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and comparative transcriptome sequencing analyses of the stamen (S), pistil (P), and petals (T) during flower development, i.e., the bud (S1), semi-opened (S2), and bloom (S3) stages. We present a first comprehensive profile of 1395 metabolites from Tanchun's floral organs. Terpenoids (26.2%) constituted the largest chemical group, followed by esters (17.52%), nitrogen compounds (9.83%), hydrocarbons (8.11%), alcohols (7.97%), aldehydes (6.53%), and others. We found that volatile organic compound (VOC) accumulation was both spatiotemporal and stage-specific. The S1 and S2 transition was characterized by scent notes of green, herbal, and waxy aromas, while the S2 and S3 shift exhibited a richer profile of fruity, sweet, and creamy notes, primarily in petals. A comparative VOC and transcriptomic analysis revealed that petals activate pathways for structural expansion and precursor mobilization, stamens enhance lipid and terpenoid metabolism, and pistils maintain a conserved profile. Importantly, the S1 and S2 transition in petals establishes the biochemical foundation by activating acyl-CoA, phenylpropanoid, and terpenoid synthesis pathways, which enables the activation of the butanoate metabolism pathway at S3, leading to the production of ester-rich compounds that define the floral scent. The transition to full bloom involves a shift to energy-efficient volatile biosynthesis, supported by carbohydrate restructuring and phytohormonal regulation. Our results provide the first comprehensive volatilome and transcriptome resource for 'Tanchun', revealing a highly efficient, multi-stage strategy for floral fragrance biosynthesis. This work lays a molecular foundation for future horticultural improvement and biotechnological applications in the flavor and fragrance industries.