Submitted: 14 February 2026 You are already at the latest version To elucidate the evolution of metabolites and fungal communities during storage of fragrant japonica rice (Liaoxiangjing 1396), and to investigate the biosynthetic mechanisms of key compounds and their association with quality deterioration, this study examined rice samples stored under simulated conditions for 16 months. Samples were collected at 4-month intervals (designated R20, R14, R13, R12, and R11).
