From monthly volatile dynamics to cultivar differences in the aroma of jasmine (Jasminum sambac): integrated volatile profiling and proteomic insights

Jasminum sambac is widely valued for its aroma, yet the monthly dynamics of volatile compounds and the proteomic basis associated with cultivar differences remain unclear. This study investigated monthly changes in volatile compounds in five jasmine cultivars using HS-SPME-GC–MS, and the total content of detected volatile compounds reached its highest level in August. Integrated volatile profiling and data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomic analysis were subsequently applied to explore the proteomic basis associated with aroma differentiation. OAV analysis identified 17 potential key SDVs distinguishing jasmine cultivars, including methyl anthranilate, benzyl alcohol, and decyl aldehyde. Proteomic analysis revealed 23 proteins associated with terpenoid metabolism and 26 proteins associated with phenylpropanoid/benzenoid metabolism. Differences in protein abundance may contribute to aroma variation among jasmine cultivars. MYB8 and 4CL19 were identified as candidate proteins associated with benzaldehyde accumulation. These findings provide integrative insights into monthly volatile dynamics and the proteomic basis of aroma variation in jasmine.