Transcriptomic insights into essential oil biosynthesis in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Essential oils are valuable commodities, serving as raw materials for a wide range of industrial, commercial, medical, and scientific applications. Their diverse applications make essential oils a focal point in research. There have been various findings on the biological activity of essential oils derived from coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) leaves and seeds at the individual genotype level. So far, very limited research has been done on coriander cultivars on identification of candidate genes related to essential oil biosynthesis pathway. Our work used popular Indian coriander cultivars such as AgCr-1, CO-2, and Pant haritma’s leaves and seeds for transcriptome sequencing and data analysis. Sequencing and transcriptome data analysis identified putative candidate genes for essential oil biosynthesis in leaves, including the terpene and terpinene synthase gene family, sesquiterpene synthase, and geraniol-8-hydroxylase. Similarly, S-linalool synthase, geraniol 8-hydroxylase-like, and 8-hydroxygeraniol dehydrogenase-like associated genes were discovered in seeds. Myrcene synthase was specifically found in Pant Haritma seeds. Furthermore, genes involved in the metabolism of vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin B6 have been identified, along with medicinally and nutritionally significant metabolites. These genes can be used to develop biotechnological and molecular breeding approaches for modulating the essential oil composition of coriander crops.