Fragrant Flowers Research Articles

Sexual Differences in Eurya loquaiana Dunn Floral Scent and How Pollinators Respond.

Eurya plants are usually dioecious or subdioecious with small fragrant flowers. Here, we investigate the floral scent components of the subdioecious species Eurya loquaiana Dunn and how floral scent affects pollinators. Headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was used to compare the floral scents of male, female, and hermaphrodite flowers. We also test whether differences in floral scent affect the foraging behaviors of pollinators and describe the flower morphological traits of the three sexes. Twenty-eight floral scent compounds were tentatively identified, and four monoterpenoids were tentatively identified as the most abundant compounds: linalool oxide (pyranoid), linalool, lilac aldehyde, and linalool oxide (furanoid). There were floral scent differences among the sex types, and male flowers were more attractive to pollinators in the wild, even when visual factors were excluded, indicating that pollinators likely distinguish sexual differences by floral scent. In the competition for pollinators, the advantage that male flowers have over female and hermaphrodite flowers can likely be accounted for the differences in floral scent and display size.

Aroma Profiling Analysis of Peach Flowers Based on Electronic Nose Detection

Aroma profiling peach flowers can improve the landscape and ecological value of the surrounding environment. In order to preliminarily explore and screen the flower aromas of peach germplasms, the floral aroma profiles of 50 peach germplasms were analyzed by electronic nose detection. The clustering results from ten sensors showed that it was possible to identify each peach blossom aroma type. ‘Gansutao2’ was separately classified as cluster I; ‘Yuntaishanshantao’, ‘Dazhuanggansutao’, and ‘Zhouxingshantao’ as cluster II; ‘Xinjiangpantao’ and ‘Xinjianghuangrou’ as cluster III; and the remaining germplasms as cluster IV. The flower aromas of clusters I, II, and III were different from that of cluster IV and were mainly highlighted by the significant differences in the response values of the three main sensors, which were W1S (methane), W1W (hydrogen sulfide), and W5S (nitrogen oxides). The principal component analysis and significance analysis of the sensor response values showed that ‘Hua3’, ‘Hongfenjiaren’, and ‘Yuntaishanshantao’ had special flower aromas. The response values of these three varieties produced by the W1S, W1W, and W5S sensors and two aromatic sensors, W2W (aromatic components and organic sulfides) and W3S (methane-aliph), were significantly different from most of the other germplasms. The ‘Yuntaishanshantao’ response values produced by the five sensors’ were low, which showed that it had a light aroma, while the ‘Hongfenjiaren’ and ‘Hua3’ values were high, which showed that they had strong aromas. The results from this study provided basic data that could be used to screen peach germplasms with obvious floral aromas, cultivate new varieties with strong aromas, and aid the development and utilization of peach floral aroma substances.

Characteristic fingerprints and change of volatile organic compounds of dark teas during solid-state fermentation with Eurotium cristatum by using HS-GC-IMS, HS-SPME-GC-MS, E-nose and sensory evaluation

Eurotium cristatum is the dominant fungus during Fu brick tea (FBT) manufacturing, however, its underlying effects in forming the distinct flavor characteristics of FBT remains unclear. In this work, effect of solid-stage fermentation (SSF) with E. cristatum on the volatile metabolites of dark teas was investigated by various techniques. A total of 54 and 93 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified by HS-GC-IMS and HS-SPME-GC-MS, respectively, which are mainly composed of aldehydes, esters, alcohols and ketones. E. cristatum drastically affected the aroma characteristics of dark teas, and the middle fermentation stage showed the greatest influence. E. cristatum fermentation contributed to increasing the levels of VOCs with stale and flower aromas. Sensory evaluation revealed the intensities of green aroma greatly decreased, and replaced by flower, mint, woody and fungal flower aromas as fermentation progressed. Hydrolytic enzymes were secreted by E. cristatum that catalyze a series of biochemical reactions contributing to the formation of flavor metabolites. Thus, this study indicates that E. cristatum remarkably affected the VOCs of dark teas and improved the stale and flower aromas, which is crucial in forming characteristic volatile metabolites of FBT.

Floral evolution and pollinator diversification in Hedychium: Revisiting Darwin's predictions using an integrative taxonomic approach.

Hedychium J. Koenig (Zingiberaceae) is endemic to the Indo-Malayan Realm and is known for its colorful and fragrant flowers. Historically, two different pollination syndromes characterize Hedychium: diurnal or bird pollination, and nocturnal or moth pollination. In this study, we aim to understand the evolution of nocturnal and diurnal flowers, and to test its putative association with lineage diversification in Hedychium. A molecular tree of Hedychium was used as a scaffold upon which we estimated ancestral character states, phylogenetic signals, and correlations for certain categorical and continuous floral traits. Furthermore, we used phylomorphospace and trait-dependent diversification rate estimation analyses to understand phenotypic evolution and associated lineage diversification in Hedychium. Although floral color and size lacked any association with specific pollinators, white or pale flowers were most common in the early branching clades when compared to bright-colored flowers, which were more widely represented in the most-derived clade IV. Five categorical and two continuous characters were identified to have informative evolutionary patterns, which also emphasized that ecology may have played a critical role in the diversification of Hedychium. From our phylogenetic analyses and ecological observations, we conclude that specializations in pollinator interactions are rare in the hyperdiverse clade IV, thus challenging the role of both moth-specialization and bird-specialization as central factors in the diversification of Hedychium. However, our results also suggest that clade III (predominantly island clade) may show specializations, and future studies should investigate ecological and pollinator interactions, along with inclusion of new traits such as floral fragrance and anthesis time.

Zoophily and nectar-robbing by sunbirds in Gardenia latifolia Ait. (Rubiaceae)

Gardenia latifolia is a semi-deciduous tree species which blooms during the dry season. Its flowers are hermaphroditic, strongly fragrant, nectariferous, and specialized with a narrow corolla tube and concealed deep seated nectar. Thrips act as resident pollinators while bats and carpenter bees act as non-resident pollinators. Sunbirds act as nectar robbers and have no role in pollination. The flowers are milky white and fragrant on days 1 and 2; they cease fragrance and change color to golden yellow on day 3. Bats visit newly open, day 1 fragrant flowers for pollen collection while thrips use day 1 and day 2 flowers. Carpenter bees and sunbirds visit only day 2 flowers. The flower visiting activity of all these foragers indicates that they do not visit non-fragrant, golden yellow colored flowers although they possess nectar. Fruit is an indehiscent berry with seeds placed in pulp inside; the birds are the most likely seed dispersal agents when they break the pericarp and feed on the fruit pulp.

Effects of Three Different Withering Treatments on the Aroma of White Tea.

White tea (WT) is a slightly fermented tea, and withering is a critical step in its processing. The withering treatment can affect white tea’s aroma; different treatments’ effects were investigated in this study. White tea was withered indoors (IWT), in a withering-tank (WWT), or under sunlight (SWT). Quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) results showed that SWT had a more obvious flower aroma, and WWT had a more pronounced grassy aroma. Volatile compounds were extracted and subsequently detected with solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined in addition to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 202 volatile compounds were detected; 35 of these aroma-active compounds met flavor dilution (FD) factor ≥ 4 or odor activity value (OAV) ≥ 1. The nine key potent odorants for which both conditions were met were dimethyl sulfide, 2-methyl-butanal, 1-penten-3-one, hexanal, (Z)-4-heptenal, β-Myrcene, linalool, geraniol, and trans-β-ionone. These results were used with QDA to reveal that SWT had a stronger floral aroma mainly due to an increase of geraniol and linalool. Moreover, WWT had a stronger grassy aroma mainly due to increased hexanal. The results could be used to select processing methods for producing white tea with a superior aroma.

Genomic insights into the important ornamental and stress resistance traits of Prunus mume

• Genomic insights into Prunus mume evolution and its important ornamental and stress resistance traits. • Prunus mume had completed genomic projects formation mechanism of flower aroma, flower color, flower type, plant architecture, cold resistance and other traits . Prunus mume is a traditional Chinese ornamental and fruit tree crop with a long history of cultivation and wide use in gardens. With the rapid development of biotechnology, the researchers have successively completed the whole genome sequencing and resequencing of P. mume . They have analyzed the formation mechanism of flower aroma, flower color, flower type, plant architecture, cold resistance and other traits, which lay a theoretical foundation for improving the efficiency of breeding and the molecular breeding designs. In this review paper, we briefly summarized the important research progress of P. mume genomics and molecular biology in recent 10 years, mainly including germplasm resource classification, genomic projects, genetic map, important ornamental traits and stress resistance, cultivation and promotion demonstration of new cold resistant cultivars. Furthermore, the key objectives and directions of future research from this study will contribute to accelerating breeding programs for Prunus species.

Принципи кінематографічного монтажу у китайському драматичному мистецтві: інноваційні практики Ся Яня

This article investigates the usage of cinematic montage methods of selected filmmakers (e.g., Vs. Pudovkin, S. Eisenstein, P. Pavis) in the dramatic performances of Xia Yan (夏衍, 1900–1995), Chinese prominent playwright, and film director of the first half of the twentieth century. On the striking examples of Chinese playwright Xia Yan’s plays (Under Shanghai Eaves (“上海屋檐下”), The Fascist Bacillus (“法西斯细菌”), Fragrant Flowers on the Horizon (“芳草天涯”), Resurecction (“复活”), The Defense Line in the Heart (“心防”), Si Jinhua (“賽金花”) etc.) there were outlined five different types of montage methods involved by Xia Yan in his drama performances: parallel, contrast, linear, analytical, and leitmotif, which helped to modify Chinese spoken drama in a new way. Thus, thanks to the intuitive interdisciplinary approach of the playwright-film director, Chinese spoken drama became not just a coverage of the material in its logical sequence but basing on logical and aesthetic comparison of moments and elements of the work was able to present the audience an explosion of figurative information. Such approach promoted the awakening of sensory thought of the recipient, as well as generated completely different perceptions with different shades and judgments.

Effect of Developmental Stages on Genes Involved in Middle and Downstream Pathway of Volatile Terpene Biosynthesis in Rose Petals.

Terpenoids are economically and ecologically important compounds, and they are vital constituents in rose flower fragrance and rose essential oil. The terpene synthase genes (TPSs), trans-prenyltransferases genes (TPTs), NUDX1 are involved in middle and downstream pathway of volatile terpene biosynthesis in rose flowers. We identified 7 complete RcTPTs, 49 complete RcTPSs, and 9 RcNUDX1 genes in the genome of Rosa chinensis. During the flower opening process of butterfly rose (Rosa chinensis ‘Mutabilis’, MU), nine RcTPSs expressed in the petals of opening MU flowers exhibited two main expression trends, namely high and low, in old and fresh petals. Five short-chain petal-expressed RcTPTs showed expression patterns corresponding to RcTPSs. Analysis of differential volatile terpenes and differential expressed genes indicated that higher emission of geraniol from old MU petals might be related to the RcGPPS expression. Comprehensive analysis of volatile emission, sequence structure, micro-synteny and gene expression suggested that RcTPS18 may encode (E,E)-α-farnesene synthase. These findings may be useful for elucidating the molecular mechanism of terpenoid metabolism in rose and are vital for future studies on terpene regulation.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of floral fragrance-related compounds in scented rose (Rosa hybrida) varieties and a subsequent evaluation on the basis of the analytical hierarchy process

Scented rose (Rosa hybrida) varieties are valued as ornamentals, but they also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that produce pleasant aromas. In plants, aromas are produced via metabolism during growth, and each aroma compound has a unique function. In this study, the floral aroma compounds of diverse scented rose varieties were analyzed and classified. The VOCs of different rose varieties were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed via headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The test materials were the mature flowers of 55 scented rose varieties that were cultivated under identical conditions. Seventeen important aroma compounds were selected and an analytical hierarchy process (AHP)-based method was developed to identify the most suitable essential oil resources, aromatherapy resources, and healthcare resources. A floral fragrance evaluation model was established for the comprehensive evaluation of the scented rose varieties. The 55 varieties were classified into three grades according to their suitability for each use. ‘Soeur Emmanuelle’, ‘Wollerton Old Hall’, ‘Accademia’, and ‘Tianmidemeng’ were revealed to be suitable essential oil, aromatherapy, and healthcare resources. On the basis of their aroma compound types, the fifty-five rose varieties were divided into eight groups. The results of this study provide the theoretical basis for the classification of rose flower aromas as well as the rational use of diverse rose varieties to further develop the rose industry.

An Identification and Expression Analysis of the ABCG Genes Related to Benzaldehyde Transportation among Three Prunus Species

The plants of Prunus mostly bloom in early spring, and the flowers of various species possess their individual floral scent characteristics; Prunus mume, especially, can volatilize a large amount of benzenoid compounds into the air during the flowering phase. In order to elucidate the molecular basis of the differences in the volatile capacity of aromatic substances among Prunus flowers, the endogenous and the headspace volatile components and the expression of ABCG genes were studied among P. mume, P. armeniaca, and P. persica. We detected the floral components in the three species by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and we found that benzaldehyde was the key component. Meanwhile, the volatilization efficiency of benzaldehyde in P. mume and P. armeniaca were much higher than that in P. persica. Furthermore, 130, 135, and 133 ABC family members from P. mume, P. armeniaca, and P. persica were identified, respectively. WGCNA analysis demonstrated that candidate ABCG genes were positively correlated with benzaldehyde volatilization efficiency. Moreover, quantitative Real-time PCR indicated that ABCG17 was more likely to be involved in the transmembrane transport of benzaldehyde. This study aimed to provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the transmembrane transport of benzaldehyde and to further the valuable information for fragrant flower breeding in Prunus.

Functional Analysis of Two Terpene Synthase Genes Isolated from the Flowers of Hosta ‘So Sweet’

The Hosta hybrid cultivar ‘So Sweet’, an important ornamental and widely used horticultural plant, is noted for its rich, fragrant white flowers. The main aroma components of Hosta flowers are terpenoids, mainly monoterpenes. Until now, the terpene synthases responsible for terpene production in Hosta were not described. In this study, two terpene synthase (TPS) genes (HsTPS1 and HsTPS2) were cloned and characterized to further study their function. Furthermore, the volatile terpenes of Hosta ’So Sweet’ in two flower development stages from two in vitro enzyme tests were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). We analyzed the expression levels of two genes at four different developmental stages using quantitative real-time PCR, while localization was analyzed using Nicotina benthamiana leaves. In vitro, the two proteins were identified to mainly produce linalool and nerol. In addition, the active products of the two recombinant proteins were (E,E)-farnesol and (E,E)-farnesal, respectively, using farnesyl pyrophosphate as a substrate. The high expression of HsTPS1 and HsTPS2 was correlated with the release of components of Hosta flowers. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the terpene synthase genes of Hosta species have been isolated and identified, providing an opportunity to study the terpene metabolic pathways in Hosta species.

Floral volatile chemical diversity in Hedychium F1 hybrid population

Floral scent profiles play crucial role in the ornamental values of cut flowers, and efficient floral scent profiling acquisition is a critical premise for quality assessment and genetic improvement of fragrant cut flowers. Despite the fact that cross breeding is an effective method for improving the fragrance of cut flowers, less focus has been paid on floral scent evaluation in cross populations due to the complexity of fragrance phenotype detection. In the current study, floral scent profile of Hedychium coronarium 'ZS', H. 'Jin' and their 110F1 hybrid cultivars were evaluated. Headspace solid phase microextraction- gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS–SPME–GC–MS) identified 33 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including 15 monoterpenoids, 7 sesquiterpenoids, 9 phenylpropanoids, 1 fatty acid derivative, and 1 other, while proton transfer reaction-time of flight-mass spectrometry (PTR–ToF–MS) detected 68 masses. Correlation analysis indicated that β-myrcene, α-terpinene, eucalyptol, (E)-β-ocimene, cyclopentene, 3-isopropenyl-5, 5-, allo-ocimene, indole, isoamyl benzoate, (E)-β-famesene, m/z 74.069 and m/z 118.069 played an important role in sensory concentration of Hedychium flowers fragrance. Furthermore, partial least squares (PLS) analysis of VOCs and masses revealed that 44 masses were highly sensitive to 21 VOCs (8 monoterpenoids, 6 sesquiterpenoids, 5 benzenoids/phenylpropanoids, 1 fatty acid derivative, and indole). Overall, the data showed that two mass spectrometric methodologies were highly complementary, revealing a novel and dynamic perspective on volatile complex diversity of Hedychium F1 hybrid population cut flowers.

Unravelling the key aroma compounds in the characteristic fragrance of Dendrobium officinale flowers for potential industrial application

Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo, one of the most important orchids because of its medicinal and edible value, has a typical Dendrobium Sw. flora scent, which has great application potential and commercial value to be characterized. The aroma-active compounds originating from D. officinale fresh flowers (DFF) were investigated using a sensomics approach. A combined solid phase microextraction and solvent-assisted flavor evaporation method were used to accurately capture the overall aromatic profile. Exactly 34 odorants were detected and identified by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) coupled with gas chromatography/olfactometry−mass spectrometry (GC/O−MS) in DFF, of which nine odorants had a flavor dilution (FD) factor ≥27. All 34 odorants were further quantified. The odor activity values (OAVs) were calculated with the highest value of 7444, in which 18 compounds were confirmed to be key odorants, including 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal, nonanal, phenylacetaldehyde, linalool, 4-oxoisophorone, theaspirane, methyl salicylate, etc. Among the studies above, 42 out of 78 volatiles and 14 out of 34 odorants were identified in DFF for the first time. Then, the aroma profile of the DFF was simulated successfully by aroma recombination experiments based on the quantitation results, and the omission test suggested that alcohols are the decisive type of compounds in the DFF key odorants. In addition, a progressive addition test showed that the aroma recombinate prepared with 18 reference key odorants was able to reconstruct the characteristic aroma of DFF. In comparison, the recombinate constituted by mixing all 34 reference odorants in the same concentrations as determined in the DDF sample could mimic the flower scent and closely match the sensory attributes of the original D. officinale fresh flower.

Adventitious Shoot Regeneration from Leaf Explants in Sinningia Hybrida 'Isa's Murmur'.

As a valuable ornamental plant, Sinningia hybrida ‘Isa’s Murmur’ (S. hybrida) has genetic flower diversity, which has great potential to develop different flower characters in the horticultural market. The present study focuses on establishing a practical approach for the sustainable propagation of S. hybrida. Compared with aseptic seeding leaves explants, field-grown leaves explants are more suitable for adventitious shoot regeneration. Adding 0.1 mg L−1 NAA and 2.0 mg L−1 TDZ could obtain the highest adventitious shoot proliferation coefficient (24.5), and the induction rate was 91.7%. The shoot proliferation coefficient (20.7) and the greatest shoot length and induction rate (95.3%) were achieved in 0.1 mg L−1 NAA and 2.0 mg L−1 BA medium, accompanied by rooting formation. Adding 0.5 mg L−1 GA3, 1.0 mg L−1 BA, and 0.2 mg L−1 IBA to MS medium can effectively prolong the regenerated buds for rooting. The best for rooting was 1/2 MS medium containing 0.3 mg L−1 IBA, with the maximum number of roots (13.4 per shoot) and survival rate for transplanting (100%). This work aims to build an efficient, definitive, and scalable protocol for S. hybrida regeneration useful for large-scale cultivation and even more protoplast fusion and genetic transformation to develop more colorful or fragrant flowers.

Genomes of single- and double-petal jasmines (Jasminum sambac) provide insights into their divergence time and structural variations.

Genomes of single- and double-petal jasmines (Jasminum sambac) provide insights into their divergence time and structural variations.

Evaluation and Comparison of Pear Flower Aroma Characteristics of Seven Cultivars

Due to its ornamental and medicinal value, pear flower has been historically loved and used in China. However, the current understanding of their odor-active compounds and aroma profiles is rather limited. This work aimed to evaluate and compare the overall aroma profile of pear flowers; the volatiles in flowers of seven pear cultivars (Anli, Bayuesu, Golden, Brown peel, KorlaXiangli, Lyubaoshi, Xizilü) were analyzed using solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). A total of 93 volatile compounds were identified and quantified within the amount of volatiles in the range of 62.7–691.8 μg kg−1 (FW) and showed high and significant variability in different cultivars. Anli and Brown peel flowers showed a relatively higher volatile abundance, while KorlaXiangli flowers were significantly lower than other cultivars. Although the composition of volatiles depended on the existence of different chemical classes, the odor activity values (OAVs) and odor descriptions showed some aldehydes were part of their main peculiarities and were considered as the basic active odorants that presented strong intensity of citrus and floral odor. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed the pear flower of different cultivars could be arranged in different clusters by the identified odorants. This study provides first-hand knowledge regarding pear flower aroma profiles, and that the cultivar differences were critical for the overall pattern.

Prediction of Linalool Content in Osmanthus fragrans Using E-Nose Technology

Linalool is a well-known volatile compound. It is usually extracted from plants or synthesized by chemical methods. However, there is still no rapid screening method for plants with high linalool content. Therefore, we aimed to establish a method determining linalool content in Osmanthus fragrans by electronic nose (E-nose). The volatile gases of three cultivars of O. fragrans were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and E-nose. Different concentrations of linalool were measured by E-nose. Then, the E-nose data were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to establish a discriminant model for determining linalool concentrations. Prediction models based on principal component regression (PCR) and multiple linear regression (MLR) were developed from all sensors and feature sensors to determine linalool concentrations in the three cultivars of O. fragrans flowers. Finally, the linalool concentrations determined by gas chromatography were used to verify the accuracy of the prediction model. The results show that linalool had the highest abundance among the volatile compounds of O. fragrans, and the MLR prediction model had an R 2 of 0.992 in calibration sets and an R 2 of 0.895 in prediction sets using 10 sensors. This study describes a rapid and accurate method for the detection and quantification of linalool concentrations.

Identification of Antioxidant Components and Tyrosinase Specific Inhibitors from Osmanthus fragrans Flower by Using Online UPLC-ABTS+·-assay and UF- LC-MS Technology

Identification of Antioxidant Components and Tyrosinase Specific Inhibitors from Osmanthus fragrans Flower by Using Online UPLC-ABTS+·-assay and UF- LC-MS Technology

Chemical fingerprinting, quantification, and antioxidant activity evaluation of Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. Flowers by UPLC-ECD

ABSTRACT Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. flowers are important natural resource of phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant activities and have been consumed as functional food and dietary supplements for thousand years. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection (UPLC-ECD) was developed to simultaneously analyze the eight phenolic compounds in Osmanthus fragrans flowers collected from different regions across China. The UPLC-ECD fingerprint was established for identification and comprehensive quality control. The antioxidant capacities of Osmanthus fragrans flowers were evaluated, and results were compared with those spectrophotometric antioxidant methods. A highly positive relationship was confirmed between the total peak area of characteristic components in chromatogram and the antioxidant potential determined by spectrophotometry with correlation coefficient greater than 0.80 (p < .01). Grey relational analysis showed that acteoside had the highest degree of correlation with antioxidant capacity. These results provided evidence to support the use of UPLC-ECD as a simple, rapid, and reliable method for electroactive phenolic component determination and antioxidant capacity quantification in vitro system.