Metabolomics-based reveals the relation between internal metabolism and storage quality of sesame harvested by machine at different speeds.

Mechanized harvesting of sesame seeds reduces costs and enhances efficiency, but improper methods induce mechanical damage that degrades seed storage quality. This study represented the first time to characterize the effects of machine-harvested speeds on the storage quality of sesame using a metabolomics-based approach. The results showed that the oxidation stability and seed coat color of machine-harvested sesame was better when harvested at an appropriate speed (2000-2200 r/min). Moreover, 1445 and 2075 metabolites were identified in positive ion mode and negative ion mode, respectively, including seven types of compounds (lipid, carbohydrates, peptide, organic acids, steroid, vitamins and cofactor, nucleic acids, and others). Notably, high machine-harvested speed (2900 r/min) accelerated the deterioration of sesame quality (acid value = 1.96 mg/g) primarily by regulating amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, lipid metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. This study offered a theoretical foundation and policy guidance for the mechanized harvesting of sesame.