Fragrant Flowers Research Articles

Identification of Floral Fragrance Components in 20 Intersectional Hybrids of Paeonia in Luoyang Region

ABSTRACTIntersectional hybrids of Paeonia (Paeonia Itoh hybrids) have rich colours and strong fragrance, combining the advantages of sect. Moutan and sect. Paeonia, and have great economic value and development potential. However, there have been few studies on the floral fragrance components of intersectional hybrids of Paeonia. In this study, the types and contents of volatile components of 20 intersectional hybrids of Paeonia were conducted. A total of 53 floral volatiles were identified though gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis, with linalool, nonanal and phenylethyl alcohol as the main floral components. Based on the compound contents and odour activity values (OAVs) analysis, the 20 cultivars were classified into four aroma types: a floral scent, a fresh floral scent, a floral with spicy scent and a fruity scent. ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ had the highest volatile compound contents and OAVs, and had potential for exploitation. This study provided a theoretical reference for the selection of parents for flower fragrance breeding of Paeonia Itoh hybrids.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Michelia xinningia (Magnoliaceae)

Michelia xinningia is an evergreen garden plant with attractive and fragrant flowers. Michelia exhibits both interspecific and intraspecific phenotypic variability. However, the genetic diversity of M. xinningia has not been thoroughly investigated. This study analyzed the first chloroplast genome of M. xinningia, which was 160,082 bp, including a large single-copy (LSC) region of 88,112 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,798 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat (IRs) regions of 26,586 bp. It contained 133 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 38 transfer RNA genes, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that M. xinningia formed a close relationship with M. foveolata. This study will provide an opportunity to investigate genetic variation and could be useful for both species identification and conservation.

Multisensory contextual cues and information affect plant-based food choices and taste perception

The context in which food is selected and consumed is an important factor in its choice, consumption, and acceptability. This study assessed the effect of information and multisensory contexts on meat-related food choices and taste perception. In total, 224 participants first watched one of two pitches, either discussing the implications of consuming animal meat (sustainable pitch) or promoting body movement (control pitch). Participants were then exposed to one of three multisensory contexts: a ‘sustainable’ context with natural green colours, nature sounds and a flower fragrance, a ‘meat’ context with red colours, the sounds of country music and a smokey BBQ smell, and a monotone off-white ‘neutral’ context with neutral background music and no additional smell. Participants were instructed to choose one of two presented hotdogs (animal meat hotdog or plant-based meat hotdog) and to taste and rate the chosen one on liking and taste attributes. Results showed that multisensory sustainable contextual cues combined with information on sustainability beforehand increased the likelihood of choosing plant-based meat hotdogs over animal meat hotdogs. In addition, while tasting the plant-based meat hotdog, multisensory contextual cues that are inspired by a meat context appeared to enhance taste perception, even for vegans and vegetarians. These findings provide further evidence for the importance of context in food choice and acceptance: the context where people choose plant-based meat should preferably be separated and different from the context of consumption. The findings also imply that information can change behaviour, not just attitudes as previous research indicated, but only if combined with multisensory cues in the context.

From Supernatural to Ornamental: Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L., Family Adoxaceae) in Sweden.

Black elder, Sambucus nigra, is a non-native but now partly naturalized shrub in Sweden; it has been cultivated here at least since the Middle Ages. Previously, this plant was associated with a supernatural being to whom sacrifices were made, and its fruits were used in folk medicine and wood for fuel and crafts. Traditional economic uses vanished with industrialization and urbanization and black elder was mostly planted as an ornamental shrub in urban parks. At the end of the 1970s, however, it made a sudden comeback: city dwellers started to gather flowers to make a refreshing non-alcoholic cordial. This diachronic study of Sambucus nigra spanning over a millennium reflects various attitudes and uses within the context of a changing human society. In addition to the simple but popular cordial, side dishes and desserts made of its fragrant flowers are becoming increasingly popular in modern Swedish cuisine. Globally it has also been (re)discovered and the utilization of this plant is growing: its flowers are used to add flavor to soft drinks, salads, desserts and various dishes; berries are used for medicine and in cooking, especially with meats, and its future uses seem to be limited only by human imagination.

A new species of Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) with nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca, Mexico

Background: Pitcairnia is the third largest bromeliad genus in Mexico with 57 species and ca. 82.5 % endemism, and is characterized mostly by zygomorphic, ornithophilous flowers of diurnal anthesis in several hues of red, orange, or yellow, whereas white or green flowers are uncommon. Moreover, there are just a few species with nocturnal anthesis in Megamexico. One of them is documented and discussed here. Questions: Is the Pitcairnia with campanulate, fragrant flowers of nocturnal anthesis from Oaxaca different from other species with similar characters native to Mexico and the Neotropics and what is its conservation status? Studied species: Pitcairnia abundans, P. lokischmidtiae, P. zapoteca. Study site and dates: Oaxaca, Mexico, 2016-2024. Methods: Live plants, herbarium material, protologues, and high-resolution images of herbarium specimens, both of the new taxon and of morphologically similar taxa, were studied and compared against each other. The conservation status of the new species was assessed using the IUCN criteria. Results: Pitcairnia zapoteca is similar but different at the species level from P. lokischmidtiae from Jalisco; both share campanulate flowers of nocturnal anthesis and a musky or frutal fragances. The conservation status of the new taxon is assessed as DD. Conclusions: Pitcairnia zapoteca is a new species, only known from the type locality in the state of Oaxaca and only one of three Mexican species with campanulate, white, yellowish or greenish flowers of nocturnal anthesis. The assessment the true conservation status of the new taxon requires detailed exploration of the SE portion of Oaxaca.

Dynamic Changes in Flavonoids’ Accumulation Pattern in Tilia miqueliana Flowers at Different Developmental Stages Based on Widely Targeted Metabolomic Analysis

Tilia miqueliana is an endemic species belonging to the genus Tilia L. (Tiliaceae) in China, which is known for its fragrant flowers and nectar, but the dynamic changes in metabolites during its growth and development are still unclear. In this study, the metabolic profiles from T. miqueliana flowers at three developmental stages were detected by performing an ultra-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS)-based widely targeted metabolomic analysis. A total of 1138 metabolites were detected, with 288 Differentially Accumulated Metabolites (DAMs) determined, flavonoids accounting for the largest proportion. The trend analysis showed that DAMs present seven distinctive patterns, and subclass 5 obtained the largest amount with continuously increased relative content during flower development. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation and enrichment analysis of DAMs showed different overlap and variability in metabolic pathways, indicating different directions of flavonoids’ metabolic flux in the three developmental stages. A correlation network analysis further revealed five core metabolites that played essential roles in flavonoid biosynthesis. This research provides comprehensive insights into the exploitation and utilization of T. miqueliana as well as a scientific basis for phylogenetic studies of the genus Tilia.

Development of GC–MS coupled to GC–FID method for the quantification of cannabis terpenes and terpenoids: Application to the analysis of five commercial varieties of medicinal cannabis

Cannabis terpenes and terpenoids are among the major classes of pharmacologically active secondary metabolites of therapeutic interest. Indeed, these hydrocarbon molecules, responsible for the characteristic aroma of cannabis flowers, are thought to be involved in a synergistic effect known as the “entourage effect”, together with cannabinoids. Numerous analytical studies have been carried out to characterize the terpene and terpenoid contents of some cannabis varieties, but they have not proposed any real quantification or have described a limited number of analytical standards or average response factors, which may have led to over- or underestimation of the real content of the cannabis flowers. Real and reliable quantification is necessary to justify the entourage effect. Here, we report a rigorous and precise GC–FID and GC–MS method for the identification and quantification of cannabis terpenes and terpenoids. This method is distinguished by the use of a high number of analytical standards, the determination of retention indices for all compounds studied, an exhaustive comparison of databases and scientific literature, the use of relevant response factors, and internal calibration for reliable results. It was applied to the study of terpenic compounds in five commercial varieties of medicinal cannabis produced by Bedrocan International: a CBD-rich (Bedrolite®), a THC/CBD balanced (Bediol®), and three THC-dominant (Bedrocan®, Bedica® and Bedrobinol®). Two extraction solvents are described (ethanol and hexane) to compare their selectivity towards target molecules, and to describe as exhaustively as possible the terpenic profile of the five pharmaceutical-grade varieties. Twenty-three standards were used for accurate dosages. This work highlights that the choice of solvent and the analysis method reliability are critical for the study of these terpenic compounds, regarding their contribution to the entourage effect.

Comprehensive assessment of fragrance profiles in peony flowers through HS-GC-IMS and metabolic pathway analysis

This study addresses the identification and comparison of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different peony varieties to elucidate their distinct aroma profiles and the common VOCs that constitute the unique fragrance of peony flowers, laying a foundation for breeding high-quality peony varieties and developing related products. Headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) combined with principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was employed to analyze and differentiate the VOCs of eight peony varieties: TAOXI, ZIHELIAN, BAITIANE, YAOHUANG, DAFUGUI, DAOJIN, HONGXIUQIU, and MANAOPAN. The study identified 87 VOCs, revealing significant differences in VOC compositions among the samples. Notably, BAITIANE displayed distinct differences in both color and VOC composition compared to the other seven varieties. It exhibited uniquely high levels of butanoic acid-M, butanoic acid-D, hexanal-D, ethanol-D, and ethyl acetate. Twelve key differential VOCs were identified as having significant impacts: ethanol-D, hexanal-D, (e)-2-hexenal-D, (e)-2-hexenal-M, hexanal-M, butanoic acid-M, acetic acid-D, acetic acid-M, butanoic acid-D, ethyl acetate, thiophene, and dimethyl sulfide. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted the roles of xenobiotics biodegradation, terpenoid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism in VOC biosynthesis. The findings are significant for the breeding of fragrant peony varieties and the development of floral-based products. The findings provide theoretical support for breeding new horticultural flower varieties and developing commercial peony products, enhancing the understanding of floral scent chemistry, and offering valuable information for the perfumery, floral food processing, and related industries.

The ethanolic extract of Osmanthus fragrans var. thunbergii flowers ameliorates depressive-like behaviors of mice by modulating the serotonin system and suppressing neuroinflammation.

It is crucial to explore the impact of dietary interventions on depression and develop functional antidepressant foods, due to the significant side effects and poor treatment compliance of antidepressant drugs. Osmanthus fragrans flowers are edible and medicinal materials owing to their delightful floral aroma and significant health benefits. Here, we evaluated the antidepressant effects of the ethanolic extract of O. fragrans var. thunbergii flowers (OFE) and investigated the mechanisms of action on the serotonin system and neuroinflammation, and analyzed the main chemical components of OFE. A single administration of OFE significantly reduced the immobility duration in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests in mice without affecting locomotor activity. OFE exhibited selective enhancing effects on 5-HTergic function invivo, as demonstrated by its potentiating effects on 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)-induced head-twitch behavior and alleviation effects on reserpine-induced ptosis deficits. In addition, OFE increased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration and upregulated 5-HT1A expression in reserpine-treated mice, further validating its effects on 5-HT transmission. Interestingly, OFE significantly alleviated microglia activation and the production of inflammatory mediators, both in reserpine-treated mice invivo and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells invitro. Additionally, 62 components in OFE were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry, and glycoside derivatives were shown to be the major constituents of OFE. The present study showed that OFE can alleviate depressive-like behaviors by modulating the serotonin system and reducing neuroinflammation. These results suggest that OFE can be valuable dietary supplements with therapeutic effects on depression.

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a high-resolution cell atlas of petals in Prunus mume at different flowering development stages.

Prunus mume (mei), a traditional ornamental plant in China, is renowned for its fragrant flowers, primarily emitted by its petals. However, the cell types of mei petals and where floral volatile synthesis occurs are rarely reported. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the gene expression landscape in petals of P. mume 'Fenhong Zhusha' at budding stage (BS) and full-blooming stage (FS). Six major cell types of petals were identified: epidermal cells (ECs), parenchyma cells (PCs), xylem parenchyma cells, phloem parenchyma cells, xylem vessels and fibers, and sieve elements and companion cells complex. Cell-specific marker genes in each cell type were provided. Floral volatiles from mei petals were measured at four flowering development stages, and their emissions increased from BS to FS, and decreased at the withering stage. Fifty-eight differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in benzenoid/phenylpropanoid pathway were screened using bulk RNA-seq data. Twenty-eight DEGs expression increased from BS to FS, indicating that they might play roles in floral volatile synthesis in P. mume, among which PmBAHD3 would participate in benzyl acetate synthesis. ScRNA-seq data showed that 27 DEGs mentioned above were expressed variously in different cell types. In situ hybridization confirmed that PmPAL2, PmCAD1, PmBAHD3,5, and PmEGS1 involved in floral volatile synthesis in mei petals are mainly expressed in EC, PC, and most vascular tissues, consistent with scRNA-seq data. The result indicates that benzyl acetate and eugenol, the characteristic volatiles in mei, are mostly synthesized in these cell types. The first petal single-cell atlas was constructed, offering new insights into the molecular mechanism of floral volatile synthesis.

Isolation and functional analysis of R2R3-MYB transcription factor PlMYB42 associated with stem strength in herbaceous peony

Lodging resistance is a vital agronomic trait of plants, which affects plant architecture, yield and quality. Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is considered a high-end cut flowers due to its unique color, pattern, and aroma of flowers, but the traditional cultivated varieties of P. lactiflora have stem lodging. Although several regulatory factors participated in stem development have been identified in other plants, few involved in P. lactiflora have been reported. Here, PlMYB42, a transcription factor isolated from P. lactiflora, was found associated with stem strength and belonged to R2R3-MYB subfamily. PlMYB42 was highly expressed in stems, and showed a rise trend along with stem development. PlMYB42 protein was located in the nucleus and exhibited transcriptional activation activity. Silence of PlMYB42 in P. lactiflora suppressed lignin accumulation and weakened stem strength, while overexpression of PlMYB42 in tobacco promoted stem lignification and increased stem strength. Expression levels of lignin biosynthesis related genes were significantly decreased in PlMYB42 silence lines. These results indicated that PlMYB42 might promote stem strength through lignin accumulation. This work would reveal the genetic basis of lignin accumulation and stem development in P. lactiflora, and provide new insights into plant stem development.

The aroma profiles of dried gonggans: Characterization of volatile compounds in oven-dried and freeze-dried gonggan

Dehydration is an effective method for the long-term storage and aroma retention of gonggan (Citrus sinensis Osb. ‘Deqing Gonggan’), which is a Chinese variety of citrus, with unique and characteristic floral, fruity, and citrus flavors. However, the aroma profiles of gonggans prepared using oven- and freeze-drying, the most widely-used drying methods, remain unclear. In this study, a total of 911 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in dried gonggan. These were primarily composed of alcohols (7.69%), aldehydes (7.03%), esters (15.38%), ketones (7.58%), and terpenoids (23.19%). A total of 67 odorants contributed significantly to the overall aroma of dried gonggans, with the major odor qualities being detected as green, citrus, fruity, floral, and sweet. These were mainly attributed to the presence of aldehydes, esters, and terpenoids. Freeze-drying was more effective in maintaining the unique citrus and mandarin-like aromas attributed to compounds such as limonene, citrial, β-myrcene, β-pinene, and γ-terpinene. Moreover, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal had the highest relative odor activity value (rOAV) in freeze-dried gonggans, followed by (E)-2-nonenal, furaneol, (E, E)-2, 4-nonadienal, and E-2-undecenal. Oven-drying promoted the accumulation of terpenes such as octatriene, trans-β-ocimene, cyclohexanone, copaene, and ɑ-irone, imparting a soft aroma of flowers, fruits, and sweet. Increasing the temperature led to an increase in existing VOCs or the generation of new VOCs through phenylpropanoid, terpenoid, and fatty acid metabolism. The findings of this study offer insights into an optimized procedure for producing high-quality dried gonggans. These insights can be valuable for the fruit-drying industry, particularly for enhancing the quality of dried fruits.

Evaluation of Aromatic Characteristics and Potential Applications of Hemerocallis L. Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process.

Hemerocallis L. possesses abundant germplasm resources and holds significant value in terms of ornamental, edible, and medicinal aspects. However, the quality characteristics vary significantly depending on different varieties. Selection of a high-quality variety with a characteristic aroma can increase the economic value of Hemerocallis flowers. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is an effective decision-making method for comparing and evaluating multiple characteristic dimensions. By applying AHP, the aromatic character of 60 varieties of Hemerocallis flowers were analyzed and evaluated in the present study. Headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was employed to identify volatile components in Hemerocallis flowers. Thirteen volatile components were found to contribute to the aroma of Hemerocallis flowers, which helps in assessing their potential applications in essential oil, aromatherapy, and medical treatment. These components include 2-phenylethanol, geraniol, linalool, nonanal, decanal, (E)-β-ocimene, α-farnesene, indole, nerolidol, 3-furanmethanol, 3-carene, benzaldehyde and benzenemethanol. The varieties with better aromatic potential can be selected from a large amount of data using an AHP model. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the aroma components in Hemerocallis flowers, offers guidance for breeding, and enhances the economic value of Hemerocallis flowers.

Orchestrating of native Phalaenopsis flower scents lighted the way through artificial selective breeding partiality in the current resource utilization

Human beings have disturbed the original characters of plants through interspecies hybridization, especially for economically producing cultivars with enhanced traits. Phalaenopsis is remoulded for exquisite flowers with huge shape and popular colors. However, the current challenge in Phalaenopsis breeding is that existing varieties tend to lose their original floral scent during the complex process of super-paraent hybridization. To address this, we collected a wide range of native species and hybrids to form the composition background and correlated the dynamics of Phalaenopsis fragrance for the futher breeding. A total of 208 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with 83 prominent compounds constituting about 40 % of the identified substances. The primary species included all three major classes of floral fragrance compounds, with native species accounting for 83.33 % of volatile compounds released at levels exceeding 100 ng g−1 h−1. Both primary species and cultivars exhibited distinct aroma profiles, characterized by ten specific substances. Phalaenopsis stobartiana, originating from China, shows potential for benzenoid scents in fragrant flower breeding. On the other hand, hybrids primarily consisted of terpenoids and contained a higher abundance of low-threshold floral fragrance compounds. We also observed significant correlations between terpenoid and benzenoid scents with respect to color and flower shape. The height and width of the plants also showed a significant negative correlation with phenylpropanoid/ benzenoids and nitrogen-containing scent compounds. By conducting an extensive investigation into floral fragrance detection, we were able to concisely present the interrelationships among various characteristics of Phalaenopsis. This endeavor lays a primary foundation for exploring polymorphism in floral scent, providing guidance in Phalaenopsis breeding and facilitating ongoing genome-based molecular design for cultivating high-quality and fragrant orchids.

Convergence and molecular evolution of floral fragrance after independent transitions to self-fertilization

Studying the independent evolution of similar traits provides valuable insights into the ecological and genetic factors driving phenotypic evolution.1 The transition from outcrossing to self-fertilization is common in plant evolution2 and is often associated with a reduction in floral attractive features such as display size, chemical signals, and pollinator rewards.3 These changes are believed to result from the reallocation of the resources used for building attractive flowers, as the need to attract pollinators decreases.2,3 We investigated the similarities in the evolution of flower fragrance following independent transitions to self-fertilization in Capsella.4,5,6,7,8,9 We identified several compounds that exhibited similar changes in different selfer lineages, such that the flower scent composition reflects mating systems rather than evolutionary history within this genus. We further demonstrate that the repeated loss of β-ocimene emission, one of the compounds most strongly affected by these transitions, was caused by mutations in different genes. In one of the Capsella selfing lineages, the loss of its emission was associated with a mutation altering subcellular localization of the ortholog of TERPENE SYNTHASE 2. This mutation appears to have been fixed early after the transition to selfing through the capture of variants segregating in the ancestral outcrossing population. The large extent of convergence in the independent evolution of flower scent, together with the evolutionary history and molecular consequences of a causal mutation, suggests that the emission of specific volatiles evolved as a response to changes in ecological pressures rather than resource limitation.

Golden-flower fungus (Eurotiwm Cristatum) presents fungal flower aroma as well as accelerates the aging of white tea (Shoumei)

Golden-flower fungus (Eurotiwm Cristatum, EC) is widely inoculated in dark tea to endow a typical fungal floral aroma. Recently, Golden Flower White Tea (GFWT), prepared by transplanting EC-mediated fermentation to white tea (Shoumei, SM) to reform the roughness and coarseness, has attracted much attention attributed to coordinated flavor. However, the bio-chemistry reactions between EC and SM, along with origination of composited aroma are still unclear. Thus, the rejected EC, GFWT leaves and stems after EC removal were separated by layer-by-layer stripping following sensory evaluation, volatiles and microstructure analysis to uncover aroma formation mechanism. In GFWT, EC presents fungal flower aroma rather than contribution of extracellular enzymes secreted by fungus in Fu brick tea. Moreover, the short “flowering process” (7 days) endows SM with a stale, jujube, and sweet aroma, which is regarded as the typical characteristic of aged white tea. This inspires EC-mediated fermentation as a promising rapid aging process.

Genetic Characterization of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis Genotypes Derived from Seeds and Selection Based on Their Morphological Traits and Flower Aromatic Substances

Gardenia jasminoides Ellis is an evergreen shrub with white fragrant flowers, and it is cultivated for its ornamental, aromatic and medicinal value. The present study aimed to select desirable genotypes for potential commercial exploitation as pot plants or use in perfumery. Thus, 32 genotypes of G. jasminoides plants derived from seedlings, whose seeds were obtained from Australia and the USA, were evaluated for their genetic diversity in relation to four commercial cultivars (‘Pelion’, ‘Joy’, ‘Grandiflora’ and ‘Kimberly’, used as reference cultivars) using ISSR and SCoT markers. A cluster analysis separated the gardenia genotypes into the following three clusters: one cluster comprised the 16 genotypes originating from Australia, one included the 16 genotypes originating from the USA, and the third cluster contained the four reference cultivars. In other words, there was a clear demarcation of the genotypes investigated according to their geographical origin. In addition, the gardenia genotypes were evaluated for their morphological and chemical characteristics. Thus, flower- and leaf-related traits with ornamental value were measured, while the volatile compounds of flower extracts were identified with GC-MS analysis. Genotype 29-5 was selected for its acceptable morphological traits and genotype 51-8 for its rich volatile compounds. The major volatile compounds responsible for the floral aroma of the various gardenia genotypes examined were α-farnesene, benzyl tiglate, cis-3-hexenyltiglate, jasminelactone and linalool.

Production and verification of novel Osmanthus hybrids

Osmanthus fragrans Lour. is prized for its fragrant, cool-season blooms, smooth leaves, and compact tree form; however, the species is limited in production and use to USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and higher. Increasing the total amount of genetic variability available for evaluation, selection, and breeding is foundational to the development of novel Osmanthus cultivars with increased cold-hardiness and improved ornamental characteristics such as high rooting rates, faster growth, fragrant flowers, and an evergreen or semi-evergreen habit. Hybridization among Osmanthus species should generate novel phenotypes and allow trait introgression among populations and breeding lines. The objectives of this study were to produce, verify, and evaluate Osmanthus hybrids by making controlled and open-pollinated crosses among Osmanthus species, using SSR markers to determine parentage of cross progeny, and comparing flowering, leaf shape, and form of hybrids offspring with parents. Fifty-eight of 66 progenies (88%) were assigned paternity at the 95% confidence level or above and 47 progenies (71%) were assigned paternity at the 99% confidence level. Novel Osmanthus hybrids were produced including O. armatus × O. fortunei, O. armatus × O. heterophyllus, and O. armatus × O. fragrans. Open-pollinated families increased in height an average of 204% and 159% per year in the first and second growing seasons, respectively. Male flower type was significantly associated with progeny flower type (χ2 = 17.5, p < 0.0001) while leaf margin was not associated with cross family (χ2 = 0.83, p = 0.84). Evaluation of more Osmanthus accessions and subsequent hybridizations will be necessary to introgress favorable genes and generate the variation necessary to expand the genus into new markets.

Characterization of important odorants from Persian silk tree flowers, Albizia julibrissin

AbstractThe Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) has delicate flowers with a pleasant aroma profile, displaying notes of hyacinth and rose with subtle nuances of citrus, coconut and spice. In this study, a total of 29 odorants were identified in the flowers from a single A. julibrissin selection by the application of a cold‐solvent extraction (CSE), followed by solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Subsequently, nine odorants with flavour dilution (FD) factors ≥16 were quantitated by stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA), and odour activity values (OAVs) were calculated. Odorants with OAV ≥1 included 2‐phenylacetaldehyde (OAV 3638), linalool (OAV 797), eugenol (OAV 231), geraniol (OAV 161), 1H‐indole (OAV 93), β‐ionone (OAV 31), 2‐phenylethanol (OAV 11) and γ‐octalactone (OAV 1). An aroma simulation model was prepared based on the quantitation data, and it closely matched the aroma of the flower isolate. Chiral chromatography was performed, and (S)‐(+)‐linalool was the only enantiomer detected. This study advances our understanding of A. julibrissin flower aroma chemistry and lays the groundwork for future investigations for the development of delicate floral aromas for flavour and fragrance applications.

“Searching for order at all levels”. Antonio Lima-de-Faria (July 4, 1921 – December 27, 2023)

“Searching for order at all levels”. Antonio Lima-de-Faria (July 4, 1921 – December 27, 2023)