Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in relation to color mutation in roses

The color of flowers constitutes one of the most significant ornamental characteristics in roses. Red pigmentation in rose flowers is generally controlled by the biosynthetic pathway of anthocyanins. In this study, the red petals from the rose cultivar 'Silk Road' (SR) and the white petals from its color mutant 'Arctic Road' (AR) were investigated. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were utilized to identify the crucial genes and metabolites associated with the biosynthesis of flavonoids. A total of 479 flavonoid-related metabolites and 39,201 genes were detected in the rose petals. Comparative analyses revealed significant differences in 277 metabolites and 2,556 genes between the blooming flowers of AR and SR.