Comparative Metabolomic Fingerprinting Analysis of Tomato Fruits from Physalis Species in Mexico’s Balsas Basin

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear Authors, this manuscript presents a compelling investigation into the diverse Physalis species found in Mexico, offering valuable insights into their metabolomic profiles and their influence on consumer preferences. The findings are presented in a well-structured and engaging manner. The depth of analysis into the metabolomic composition of these species provides a comprehensive understanding of their potential applications and nutritional value. Moreover, the discussion on how these metabolites correlate with consumer preferences adds a significant dimension to the study. Overall, I find this manuscript to be of high quality and I believe it makes a substantial contribution to the field. Therefore, I recommend its acceptance.

My only comments include: in lines 83-85 was it approximately or precisely 100 mg? It can't be both
Line 86-87 I find this sentence excessive. 

Author Response

"Please see the attachment."

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The analysis content of this article is fully demonstrated, and the influence of different metabolites content on the fruit flavor is analyzed, and the analysis results have certain reference value.

However, there are two following points that need to be repaired and supplemented.

1. Can the author add the introduction of three varieties of tomato fruit? Such as fruit pictures and quality evaluation.

2.Line 101. The length of capillary column is 30 m, is this right? Please confirm that the parameter is correct.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The English expression is relatively fluent, only a minor modification is needed.

Author Response

"Please see the attachment."

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript Comparative metabolomics Fingerprinting Analysis of Tomato Fruits form Physalis Species in Mexico’s Balsa Basin aims to identify organoleptic differences that could influence consumer preferences by analyzing metabolite profiles and their correlation with taste preferences.

The introduction is relatively short, emphasizing that the methodology used not only enables the discovery of new traits that could be integrated into commercial varieties but also supports the conservation of a vital segment of Mexican biodiversity. However a specific gap of more profound knowledge in the field is not clearly pointed out.

Materials and methods are described in details with, with references provided only for data analysis.

The results are well summarized with a proper statistical analysis of the data. The discussion is well structured the results are compared with other literature sources. There were not fount differences in the presence or absence of metabolites across the three studied species. As such, variations in taste can be attributed to the proportions of these metabolites, which were examined in depth.

The conclusion emphasizes the novelty of the findings, showing a clear evidence of significant chemical diversity among the species studied, highlighting the importance of these species as valuable genetic reservoirs that could be exploited to enhance commercial tomato varieties.

Taking into consideration the good quality of the work, the manuscript should be accepted for publishing after slight corrections.

Author Response

"Please see the attachment."

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The proposal involved the profiles of volatile compounds from tomato fruits of three species of Physalis sp using the SPME-GC/MS technique. Basically the manuscript is an extension of a previous study with two of these species, which is among the references cited. The sensory part of the study was based on indirect information from the local population and no non-volatile characteristics were evaluated in the samples. It would be desirable to use an internal standard in the quantification of volatile constituents, while sugars and amino acids would be better determined by other techniques. The statistical part is adequate, well summarized and the results were well justified. Species names contained in the references need to be italized.

Author Response

"Please see the attachment." 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf