Metabolome analysis reveals important compounds related to dwarfing effect of interstock on scion in pear

Abstract

Abstract The utilisation of interstocks or rootstocks to reduce tree size has long been used in orchards. In the present study, we characterised the dwarfing effect of “OHF51” ( Pyrus communis “Old Home” × “Farmingdale”) when used as interstock compared with callery pear ( Pyrus calleryana Decne.). Shorter trees, smaller canopy, smaller trunk diameter and lower height of the first branch were found in trees with “OHF51” as the interstock as compared to callery pear. Metabolome analysis showed that the interstock altered the metabolite profiles of both the scion and the rootstock. The number of identified differential metabolites in scions, interstocks and roots were 8, 39 and 12, respectively, with “OHF51” interstock as compared to the same positions with callery as the interstock. Flavonoids and phenolic acids/derivatives were most altered in concentration. The concentrations of flavonoids procyanidin B2 and procyanidin B3 were remarkably higher in both the scion shoots and the interstock because of “OHF51,” while the concentration of two monosucroses, D‐sorbitol and D‐mannitol, were drastically reduced in roots with “OHF51” interstock present. The reallocation of carbohydrates from shoot to root could be influenced by the interstock, which participates in the regulation of scion growth in the spring season. Flavonoids and phenolic acids/derivatives are understood to be key compounds involved in the reduction of scion growth.