Lotus   (Nelumbo nucifera) is a prominent ornamental plant renowned for its   delightful floral aroma. We conducted an integrated analysis of volatile   metabolomics and transcriptomics to investigate the composition and emission   patterns of lotus floral aromas. A total of 1430 volatile organic compounds   (VOCs) were identified across different flower organs, with stamens   identified as the primary source. Notably, 1072 VOCs were detected in the   stamens during various flowering stages, particularly on the day of flowering   (S2) and the day after (S3), which were crucial for scent emission. The major   contributors to the aroma included terpenoids, esters, and ketones.   Transcriptome analysis identified 13,034 differentially expressed genes   (DEGs) across various stages of stamen development. These DEGs were   predominantly enriched in metabolic pathways and the biosynthesis of   secondary metabolites. The expression of DEGs closely correlated with the   accumulation profiles of VOCs, which increased during stages S2 and S3,   before decreasing at stage S4, two days after flowering. Integrated analysis   revealed that specific structural genes from the mevalonate (MVA) and   2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathways significantly influence   terpenoid biosynthesis and floral aroma formation. These findings deepen our   understanding of lotus floral aroma and provide a foundation for the genetic   improvement of floral aroma traits in lotus.