Monoterpenes are pivotal aroma compounds in Muscat-type grapes, endowing them with distinct floral and fruity notes, yet the biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms of monoterpenes remain not fully understood. ‘Ruiduxiangyu’, a new typical Muscat-type table grape cultivar, was used in this study. Comprehensive metabolic profiling and whole transcriptome sequencing were performed across various developmental stages and different tissue samples of ‘Ruiduxiangyu’ grapes. Metabolite results showed monoterpene concentration and profiles varied with berry developmental stages and tissue types, with significantly higher levels in skins than flesh. Whole transcriptome analysis identified 26 DEmRNAs in MEP and MVA pathways, 24 DElncRNAs, 2 DEcircRNAs, and 1 DEmiRNA and some key TFs linked with monoterpene biosynthesis in grape berries, respectively. CeRNA network analysis revealed key regulatory modules: vv-miR156f-SPL13A correlated with monoterpene accumulation during development, while vv-miR162-CYP704C1 may explain tissue-specific profile differences. These findings deepen understanding of monoterpene regulatory mechanisms and offer insights for enhancing grape aroma quality. • The temporal and spatial accumulation patterns of monoterpenes were investigated in grape berries. • Total of 121 DEmRNAs, 24 DElncRNAs, 2 DEcircRNAs, and 1 DEmiRNAs were identified in correlation with monoterpene biosynthesis in grape berries. • miR156f-SPL13A was highlighted for the accumulation of monoterpenes in developing grape berries. • miR162-CYP704C1 was highlighted for the differences in the monoterpene profiles between berry skin and berry flesh.
Wang et al. (2026) studied this question.