A New Perspective on Fruit Quality: From Molecular Regulatory Mechanisms to Nutritional Value

Dear Colleagues,

Fruit quality is a multifaceted trait encompassing color, texture, and flavor, which collectively determine consumer preference and market value. Beyond sensory appeal, fruits are rich in bioactive compounds (e.g., anthocyanins, carotenoids, polyphenols) that confer significant health benefits, including antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory functions. This Special Issue aims to explore the molecular mechanisms that govern fruit quality traits, from the biosynthesis of pigments, cell wall metabolites, sugars, acids, and volatiles, to their integration into complex regulatory networks involving transcription factors, phytohormones, and epigenetic modifications. We particularly encourage studies that bridge fruit quality with human nutrition, including the identification of health‑promoting bioactives, their bioavailability, and the genetic or environmental factors that modulate their accumulation. Cutting‑edge approaches such as multi‑omics, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and network pharmacology are welcome. By connecting molecular regulation to nutritional outcomes, this Special Issue seeks to provide a blueprint for breeding and biotechnological strategies that improve both sensory attributes and the health‑promoting potential of fruits, ultimately contributing to healthier diets.

Dr. Xuelian Zhang
Guest Editor

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