Plant hormone-targeted metabolomics revealed the temperature regulation of tuber growth and secondary metabolites in Gastrodia elata f. glauca

Introduction Gastrodia elata f. glauca represents a superior cultivar of G. elata with considerable commercial value and broad market acceptance. The growth of its tubers and the accumulation of bioactive secondary metabolites in this variant are strongly affected by environmental temperature. Methods In this study, UPLC and targeted phytohormone metabolomics were used to investigate the effects of different temperatures on growth and metabolic processes in G. elata f. glauca . Results The results showed that biomass accumulation was greatest at 20 °C. Meanwhile, the contents of gastrodin, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, parishin A, parishin B, and parishin C were maintained at relatively elevated levels at 15 °C, whereas parishin E exhibited higher accumulation at 25 °C. Targeted metabolomics and correlation analysis indicated that increasing temperature upregulated auxin- and gibberellin-related metabolites, which may promote tuber growth, whereas lower temperature downregulated indole-related metabolites. In contrast, moderate plant hormone levels were more conducive to the accumulation of bioactive constituents. Discussion These results suggest a close association among temperature, plant hormones, growth, and bioactive secondary metabolites accumulation in G. elata f. glauca . They provide a basis for further investigation of temperature-related metabolic responses and may help optimize cultivation practices for improved yield and quality.