Complementary Multiomics Integration Approaches Feature a Likely Role for Salicylic Acid Biology in Accelerating Kiwiberry ( Actinidia arguta ) Fruit Development

Research to date has focused on understanding the hormonal and genetic factors regulating the transition from physiologically mature to ripe fruit. Knowledge of factors regulating the time from anthesis to fruit maturity, where the seed coat turns black and fruit becomes competent to ripen, is limited. Accumulations of nonstructural carbohydrates, organic acids, and phytohormones were profiled during fruit development of two kiwiberry ( Actinidia arguta ) genotypes with contrasting maturation times over two seasons. Seed maturation and rise in nonstructural carbohydrates were associated with salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid, and their metabolites in fruit of the “Early” but not the “Late” maturing genotype. As identification of dynamic gene–metabolite interactions over time is challenging, three data integration frameworks (TimeOmics, MOFA, and MINT) were used to interrogate “omics” data and found to be complementary. SA-associated genes related to plant defense and immunity were identified as having a novel function in kiwiberry development, by promoting fruit maturation.