Browning is a significant issue in fresh-cut peach fruits, leading to nutrient loss, flavor deterioration, and reduced consumer acceptance. Despite its economic importance, the molecular mechanisms governing the browning process remain largely unclear. In this study, comparative transcriptome and metabolome analyses between the browning-resistant variety ‘QZMT’ (Qing Zhou Mi Tao) and the browning-susceptible variety ‘QBT’ (Qiu Bai Tao) revealed that browning resistance in ‘QZMT’ is primarily attributed to low polyphenol and flavonoid contents, coupled with low polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and high hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content. Moreover, PpWRKY23 was identified as a key regulator activated by fresh-cut signaling. Transient overexpression of PpWRKY23 in peach resulted in the increased H₂O₂ content, thereby browning alleviation. PpWRKY23 directly bound to the W-box element in promoter region of PpRBOHB, activating its expression and leading to increased H₂O₂ production. These findings deepen our understanding of peach flesh browning and offer potential targets for improving fruit quality.

Although class A auxin response factors (ARFs) are known to regulate adventitious root (AR) development through the canonical SCF^TIR1-Aux/IAA-ARF signaling pathway, the regulatory role of class B ARFs in AR development remains largely unclear. Therefore, this research focused on the role of class B ARF transcription factors in peach (Prunus persica ‘Shengli’) adventitious root formation. Here, we report the role of a class B ARF gene PpARF4 in adventitious root formation in peach. Comparative transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses showed that the transcription of PpARF4 was significantly up-regulated in auxin-treated stem explants. Y2H assay showed that PpARF4 had no interaction with PpIAAs (AUXIN/INDOLE ACETIC ACIDs). PpARF4 could bind the promoters of lateral root development gene PpLBD16 and auxin transport gene PpPIN1 to activate their transcription. Ectopic overexpression of PpARF4 and PpLBD16 in Arabidopsis promoted AR development. Additionally, PpARF4 could act as a negative regulator of flavone synthesis and thus prevent the explants from browning. The results not only provide novel insights into the functions of ARFs in regulating plant growth and development, but will also be useful for fulfilling asexual propagation by stem cuttings in peach.