Integrated GC-MS, Phytohormone Profiling, and Transcriptomics Reveal Wax Dynamic Deposition and Regulatory Mechanisms during the Ripening of Fresh Edible Goji Berry Fruit

Cuticular wax is essential for maintaining postharvest quality in berry fruits. This study used SEM, wax composition analysis, transcriptomics, and hormone profiling to examine dynamic wax deposition and its regulatory network across five developmental stages of goji berry (Lycium barbarum L. Ningnongqi 16). Wax content and composition changed significantly, peaking at the late yellowing stage. Genes involved in wax biosynthesis showed expression patterns that first increased and then declined, consistent with wax accumulation trends. WGCNA identified key transcription factors, including LbWRKY48 and LbMYB86, and their potential regulatory relationships with wax biosynthesis genes such as LbKCS6 and LbAD1. Hormone analysis revealed that ACC and 28-HBL were positively correlated with wax accumulation, while GA3 showed a negative correlation. Overall, this study elucidates stage-specific wax deposition and its coordinated regulation by gene expression and hormonal signals, providing a theoretical basis for improving fruit storability through postharvest regulation.