Transcriptome and metabolome based mechanisms revealing distinct regulatory programs underlying yam (Dioscorea polystachya Thunb.) bulbil growth

Yam (Dioscorea polystachya) bulbils are unique axillary organs that serve dual functions in nutrient storage and asexual reproduction. In addition to their edible value, bulbils play a crucial role as propagules for the generation of new plants, contributing significantly to germplasm propagation and the maintenance of genetic stability. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying gene regulation and metabolite accumulation during bulbil development remain largely unexplored.
In this study, bulbils of the iron stick yam cultivar were used as experimental materials. Based on continuous morphological observations, bulbil development was divided into three stages: initiation stage (T0), expansion stage (T1–T3), and maturation stage (T4–T6). Representative stages (T0, T3, and T6) were selected for non-targeted metabolomics analysis to investigate dynamic metabolic changes during bulbil development.