Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals the regulatory mechanism of postharvest sweetness changes in kiwiberry

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND Kiwiberry is a climacteric fruit known for its unique flavor and rich nutritional profile. Fruit sweetness increases gradually during postharvest storage; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. RESULTS In this study, targeted metabolomic analysis identified 24 carbohydrate metabolites in kiwiberry. Notably, glucose, sucrose, fructose, and inositol exhibited relatively high abundance and displayed a progressive upward trend during storage. Transcriptomic profiling screened 94 genes encoding 14 key enzymes within the ‘Starch and sucrose metabolism’ pathway. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis identified 9 transcription factors associated with increased postharvest sweetness. Among them, AaDof was identified as a key transcription factor, showing regulatory interactions with 16 downstream genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. CONCLUSION By integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic data, this study elucidates the metabolic processes and molecular mechanisms governing postharvest sweetness development in kiwiberry. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for breeding high‐quality cultivars with enhanced sweetness. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.