Starch and sucrose metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways play crucial regulatory roles in extending the postharvest longevity of Lilium brownii var. viridulum bulbs

Lilium brownii var. viridulum bulbs have high edible and medicinal values. However, their fresh-cut bulbs have a short postharvest storage period and are prone to browning. Thus, effectively extending the fresh-eating period of Lilium brownii var. viridulum is crucial. In this study, Lilium brownii var. viridulum bulbs were used as experimental materials, and the following four treatment groups were set: room temperature , room temperature and hypobaric , low temperature , and low temperature and hypobaric. Metabolomics and transcriptomics techniques were employed to determine the appropriate storage conditions for Lilium brownii var. viridulum bulbs and the relevant substances affecting their storage quality. A total of 883 metabolites and 9452 differentially expressed genes were detected, primarily enriched in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. Further analysis revealed that various metabolites, such as sucrose, trehalose, cellulose, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, and anethole, and genes, such as LbSUS4, LbINV2, and LbTPP, played key roles in different storage environments, contributing to maintaining the quality of Lilium brownii var. viridulum bulbs. Bulbs stored under low temperature and hypobaric conditions showed minimal changes in metabolites, and their morphology and color were maintained for a longer duration, making them a more suitable preservation method for Lilium brownii var. viridulum bulbs postharvest. This study provides new insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms during postharvest storage of Lilium brownii var. viridulum bulbs and offers theoretical and technical support for extending their fresh eating period.