Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Mechanisms Underlying the Difference in Anthocyanin Accumulation in Apple Fruits at Different Altitudes

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Greetings,

Line 179- please add more information on STRING. Why did you choose this specific online server? Same for SPSS in line 183

Line 186 - on the next page

Line 292-293 please rephrase

Line 359- Figure 6 in bold

Line 439- species name in italic

Line 625- year in bold

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Reviewer 2 Report

Reviewer Manuscript_ Horticulturae-2273196

Reviewer Comments for manuscript number Horticulturae-2273196 entitled "Metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals the mechanisms underlying the difference in anthocyanin accumulation in apple fruits at different altitudes".

General Remarks: The topic of study is relevant and matches with the journal topics. The authors endeavored to investigate the effect of environmental conditions associated with low and high altitudes on the peel color of different apple cultivars through physiological, metabolomic, and genetic analyses. The color of the apples was associated with the content of anthocyanins present in the fruits. The topic addressed is relevant and consistent with the scope of the journal. However, prior to the recommendation for publication in the Horticulturae, some aspects should be taken into consideration. The main suggestions are as follows.

Abstract:

- Briefly describe the methods used to carry out the research.

- Describe the results summarizing the article's main findings.

Introduction:

-I believe that a brief definition of anthocyanins is essential. What is the importance of studying these compounds in the apples? Why study them?

-Highlight more widely the importance of studying anthocyanins in apple cultivars.

-How does apple color impact consumer acceptance and fruit quality? Is there a relationship?

-What is the main difference between your work? The main contribution to this area of knowledge. Explore these aspects further.

- Make clear the objective of the work and its meaning.

Materials and Methods:

- Reference 25 and 33 are repeated. Please review in the reference list and throughout the manuscript.

- Please describe more clearly the analysis conditions used in the MS detector.

- Which analytical standards used for the analysis of anthocyanins? Please describe them clearly (lines 141-142).

Results:

-Lines 367-375: I think this information should be in the introduction section.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Reviewer 3 Report

Dear Authors,

Please find my suggestions blow.

This is very interesting study which is dealing with investigation of different altitude and environmental influence on the accumulation of anthocyanin in apple fruit. Findings from this study can be very useful and applied in practice.

Highlight in first paragraph of introduction that after processing of apple fruit is possible to produce fruit wine which is product with added value which possess promising antioxidant properties. Kindly consider to cite Hemijska Industrija 70 (2016) 661–672.

Did you treat apple trees with pesticides before you pick fruit sample on 105, 110, 120 and 130 days after full bloom?

Did you have waiting period after treatment of apple trees with preparations for protection against pests?

From your data in Fig S1 it is possible to conclude that these two regions have different weather conditions. You have to highlight that this is two different climate regions.

The sentence which starts in line 443 and ends in line 447 is too long. Make two sentences.

Wish you all the best in future work.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.doc

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

 I have carefully read the answers given by the Authors and I have appreciated the changes made to the manuscript. I believe the article is ready for publication in Horticulturae.

Reviewer 3 Report

Dear Author, 

Thank you very much for revised version of manuscripts and answers on questions, it is fine. 

Wish you all the best in future work,