Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don fil. subsp. italicum oil analysis by gas chromatography – carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS): a rapid method of genotype differentiation?

Abstract

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don fil. subsp. italicum oils, coming from Sicily and Corsica and growing up, at equal geographical area, at the same edaphic and climatic conditions, were investigated by GC-MS, GC-FID and gas chromatography carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). GC-MS and GC-FID analyses on the oils terpene fraction have evidenced two different compositional finger prints (chemotypes). Investigating the carbon isotope ratio of the main and common terpene compounds, were also highlighted different plants’ genetic behaviors. The i-stds elaboration has permitted to investigate on the plants’ genetic changes, taking into account only the secondary biogenetic pathways, in which the terpenes formation occurs.