摘要Aroma differentiation is a key trait that distinguishes citrus and other horticultural crops from staple crops.However,the mechanistic basis and sensory features of the distinctive and varied citrus-like aromas of cit-rus remain poorly understood.In this study,we demonstrated that γ-terpinene determines tangerine-like aroma,affects consumer preference,and has pest-repellent properties.Both forward and reverse genetic analyses uncovered the pivotal role of CreTPS3a in γ-terpinene biosynthesis.In addition,we identified a so-lo long terminal repeat(solo-LTR)insertion upstream of the CreTPS3a promoter in MD1-type domesticated mandarins.We found that the transcription factor CreARF2 specifically binds to this solo-LTR and posi-tively regulates CreTPS3a expression and γ-terpinene accumulation.Notably,this regulatory mechanism may be associated with the geographic distribution patterns of tangerine germplasms.By integrating sen-sory evaluation with insect behavioral assays,we identified a γ-terpinene sensory threshold of approximately 50 μg/g,which optimally balances pest-repellent properties with consumer preference.Collectively,these findings reveal the molecular mechanisms that underlie the production of tangerine-like aroma,illustrate the complex interactions among citrus plants,human beings,and insects,and offer new possibilities for the development of innovative,eco-friendly strategies that may simultaneously enhance fruit aroma and strengthen plant defense against pests.