Integration of metabolome and transcriptome reveals flavonoid accumulation in the intergeneric hybrid between Brassica rapa and Raphanus sativus

Abstract Brassica rapa and Raphanus sativus are two important edible vegetables that contain numerous nutritional ingredients. However, the agronomic traits and nutritional components of the intergeneric hybrid of B . rapa and R . sativus remain poorly understood. In this study, we used a stably inherited intergeneric hybrid of B . rapa and R . sativus as a model to study its metabolome and transcriptome profiles. Morphological and cytological analysis showed the intergeneric hybrid had the expected chromosome number and normal meiosis behavior. Moreover, the metabolome analysis showed multiple important secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and glucosinolates, were significantly upregulated in the hybrid. Furthermore, transcriptome data revealed that the expression level of the important genes involved in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways was significantly upregulated in the hybrid. Ultimately, our data indicate the intergeneric hybrid will be a valuable bioengineering resource and promise to become a new-type hybrid vegetable with great medicinal value in future.