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Abstract: Information on S-genotypes is essential for designing orchards of Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) and for hybridization. However, this information is lacking for most cultivars grown in China. Thus, in this work, the S-genotypes of 24 Japanese apricot cultivars native to China were identified by sequencing the PCR products obtained from allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR). Seventeen S-RNase alleles were amplified, ten of them for the first time. The new S-RNase alleles were submitted to GenBank and denoted them as S 17, S 18, S 19, S 20, S 21, S 22, S 23, S 24, S 25 and S 26. Furthermore, the S-genotypes of four Japanese apricot cultivars were confirmed by field-testing cross-pollination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.), a deciduous tree within the Rosaceae family, is esteemed for its medicinal and ornamental attributes. In Chinese tradition, the 'Lve' group of the Japanese apricot, including varieties like 'Lve' and 'Xiaolve', is commonly employed for medicinal purposes and tea production. This study endeavors to delineate the chemical distinctions among four Japanese apricot varieties. Quantitative analysis, utilizing ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), was conducted on 'Lve', 'Xiaolve', 'Qingfeng', and 'Touguhong'. The research explores the chemical components of different floral organs and stages within the 'Xiaolve' cultivar, correlating them with hydroxyl radical (·OH) and 2,2′-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging rates. Results indicate significant variation in flower composition among the varieties. Notably, chlorogenic acid varies markedly, ranking highest in 'Xiaolve', followed by 'Touguhong', 'Lve' and 'Qingfeng', 'Qingfeng' exhibits elevated levels of hyperoside and quercetin. In the 'Xiaolve', stamens show heightened chlorogenic acid levels, while petals display increased flavonoids and catechins. Additionally, chemical components decrease with flowering stages. Correlations between chemical components in 'Xiaolve' and scavenging rates of OH and ABTS free radicals were observed. Molecular docking analysis reveals that chlorogenic acid binds to multiple antioxidant proteins, suggesting its dual role in scavenging free radicals and internal antioxidant activity. These findings form a theoretical foundation for exploring the medicinal potential of the 'Xiaolve', determining optimal harvest times, and unraveling underlying mechanisms. • Explored the differences in the chemical composition of different varieties of Japanese apricot. • The chemical composition of 'Xiaolve' blossom with it's antioxidant activity has strong correlation. • The best time to harvest Japanese apricot is the small bud stage. • The flavonoids contents of 'Xiaolve' cultivar are concentrated in the petals, pistils and stamens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The phenomenon of pistil abortion widely occurs in Japanese apricot and has seriously affected the yield in production. We used a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight/time of flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) approaches to identify the differentially expressed proteome between perfect and imperfect flower buds in Japanese apricot. More than 400 highly reproducible protein spots (P <0.05) were detected and 27 protein spots showed a greater than two-fold difference in their expression values. The proteins identified were classified into eight functional classifications and ten process categories, according to the Gene Ontology (GO). Acetyl-CoA produced by ATP citrate lyase (ACL) as a structural substance during formation of the cell wall could regulate pistil abortion in Japanese apricot. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) and caffeoyl-CoA-O-methyl transferase (CCoAOMT) could promote cell wall formation in perfect flower buds of Japanese apricot, greatly contributing to pistil development. Spermidine hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (SHT) may be involved in the O-methylation of spermidine conjugates and could contribute to abnormal floral development. The identification of such differentially expressed proteins provides new targets for future studies that will assess their physiological roles and significance in pistil abortion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]