Abstract:

The levels of primary metabolite in the fruit pulp of somatic hybrid [Citrus sinensis Osbeck‘Newhall’+ Citrus limon（L.）Burm. F.‘Eureka’] and both parental species were quantitatively evaluated by GC–MS（gas chromatography-mass spectrometry）and flavonoid contents were investigated by LC–MS（Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry）. The results indicated the allotetraploid was closer to the lemon parent in the accumulation of primary metabolites. The levels of malic acid，citric acid and four fatty acids were higher than those of the diploid parents，while the contents of most amino acids in the allotetraploid showed an additive manner. Additionally，a total of 48 flavonoids were detected in the allotetraploid. The contents of 33 flavonoids were intermediate between both parents. Meanwhile，the levels of 15 flavonoids were transgressive. The allotetraploid was closer to the lemon parent in flavonoid composition.

Key words: citrus, allotetraploid, somatic hybridization, primary metabolites, flavonoids