Transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to explore the differences in monoterpene and benzenoid biosynthesis between scented and unscented genotypes of wintersweet

Wintersweet ( Chimonanthus praecox L.) is an important ornamental plant in China with a pleasant floral scent. To explore the potential mechanisms underlying differences in the fragrances among genotypes of this plant, we analyzed floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from two different genotypes: SW001, which has little to no fragrance, and the scented genotype H29. The major VOCs in H29 were linalool, trans ‐β‐ocimene, benzyl acetate, methyl salicylate, benzyl alcohol (BAlc) and methyl benzoate. The most important aroma‐active compound in H29, linalool, was emitted at a low concentration in SW001, which had markedly higher levels of trans ‐β‐ocimene than H29. Next, to investigate scent biosynthesis, we analyzed the transcriptome and proteome of fully open flowers of the two genotypes. A total of 14 443 differentially expressed unigenes and 196 differentially expressed proteins were identified. Further analyses indicated that 56 differentially expressed genes involved in the terpenoid and benzenoid biosynthesis pathways might play critical roles in regulating floral fragrance difference. Disequilibrium expression of four terpene synthase genes resulted in diverse emission of linalool and trans ‐β‐ocimene in both genotypes. In addition, the expressions of two CpMYC2 transcription factors were both upregulated in H29, implying that they may regulate linalool production. Notably, 16 of 20 genes in the benzenoid biosynthesis pathway were downregulated, corresponding to the relatively low level of benzenoid production in SW001. The lack of benzyl acetate might indicate that SW001 may lack substrate BAlc or functional acetyl‐CoA:benzylalcohol acetyltransferase.