Abstract
Floral scent plays an important ecological role attracting pollinators. Its composition has been elucidated for a vast diversity of species and is dominated by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, phenylpropanoids and benzenoid compounds. Considering that floral scent is also an important character for the ornamental plant market, this study was aimed at characterizing and comparing the molecular composition of scented and non-scented alstroemeria flowers. Confirmation of floral scent was performed through sensorial analysis, while GC-MS analysis detected monoterpenes and esters as major volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A total of 19 and 17 VOCs were detected in the scented hybrids 13M07 and 14E07, respectively. The non-scented hybrid 13B01 shared 14 VOCs with the scented hybrids, although it showed different relative concentrations. Comparison between scented and non-scented hybrids suggests that diversity and amounts of VOCs are likely due to the ecological role of scent, while the human perception of floral scent is not strictly related to the VOC profile.
Highlights
IntroductionIt is well known that the main function of floral scent is to attract pollinators [1], playing an important role in the idea of ‘pollination syndrome’ described in nature [2]
It is well known that the main function of floral scent is to attract pollinators [1], playing an important role in the idea of ‘pollination syndrome’ described in nature [2].it is not completely clear how floral scent has the ability to attract specific pollinators, as it is for other visual cues such as flower morphology and colour [3,4]
To confirm the presence and assess the intensity of floral scent, 18 alstroemeria hybrids were analysed through sensorial evaluation performed by a ‘non-trained’ panel composed of six individuals, considered as replicates, including males and females with no restriction on age
Summary
It is well known that the main function of floral scent is to attract pollinators [1], playing an important role in the idea of ‘pollination syndrome’ described in nature [2]. It is not completely clear how floral scent has the ability to attract specific pollinators, as it is for other visual cues such as flower morphology and colour [3,4]. Many other functions have been attributed to floral scent, including the emission of certain compounds with the aim of repelling non-beneficial insects, for example, pollen and nectar ‘thieves’ or destructive insects [5]. Floral scent emission has been identified to respond to several factors such as light [11], temperature [12] and concentration of ozone in the air [13]
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