Composition and emission dynamics of migratory locust volatiles in response to changes in developmental stages and population density

Chemical communication plays an important role in density‐dependent phase change in locusts. However, the volatile components and emission patterns of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, are largely unknown. In this study, we identified the chemical compositions and emission dynamics of locust volatiles from the body and feces and associated them with developmental stages, sexes and phase changes. The migratory locust shares a number of volatile components with the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), but the emission dynamics of the two locust species are significantly different. The body odors of the gregarious nymphs in the migratory locust consisted of phenylacetonitrile (PAN), benzaldehyde, guaiacol, phenol, aliphatic acids and 2,3‐butanediol, and PAN was the dominant volatile. Volatiles from the fecal pellets of the nymphs primarily consist of guaiacol and phenol. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed significant differences in the volatile profiles between gregarious and solitary locusts. PAN and 4‐vinylanisole concentrations were significantly higher in gregarious individuals than in solitary locusts. Gregarious mature males released significantly higher amounts of PAN and 4‐vinylanisole during adulthood than mature females and immature adults of both sexes. Furthermore, PAN and 4‐vinylanisole were completely lost in gregarious nymphs during the solitarization process, but were obtained by solitary nymphs during gregarization. The amounts of benzaldehyde, guaiacol and phenol only unidirectionally decreased from solitary to crowded treatment. Aliphatic aldehydes (C7 to C10), which were previously reported as locust volatiles, are now identified as environmental contaminants. Therefore, our results illustrate the precise odor profiles of migratory locusts during developmental stages, sexes and phase change. However, the function and role of PAN and other aromatic compounds during phase transition need further investigation.     

Disruption of aggregation behaviour of oriental migratory locusts (Locusta migratoria manilensis) infected with Nosema locustae

Abstract:  The effect of Nosema locustae infection on the aggregation behaviour of the oriental migratory locust, Locusta migratoria manilensis , was studied using a two-choice arena olfactometer and electroantennography (EAG). Infected locusts had low antennal sensitivity and aggregation responses to faecal extracts and to locust body volatiles. Infected fifth instar nymphs had significantly lower aggregation index than the uninfected nymphs, although with fourth instars the effect on aggregation behaviour only occurred in infected females. With regard to antennal receptor sensitivity, infected adult locusts had significantly lower EAG amplitudes in response to extracts from faeces of the adult males. The effect was most pronounced in female locusts. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the EAG responses between the fifth instar male and female nymphs. Further analysis revealed that EAG responses of fifth instar nymphs and adults infected with N. locustae to the faecal extract and volatiles from fifth instar solitary-reared nymphs were not significantly affected. In contrast, infected nymphs and adults had remarkably low EAG amplitudes for the remaining stimuli.     

东亚飞蝗不同来源聚集信息素的电生理活性

采用触角电位测定仪器测定不同来源的东亚飞蝗Locustamigratoriamanilensis聚集信息素的生理活性 ,结合行为生物测定的结果分析表明 :来源于粪便中的聚集信息素的活性较高 ,同时 ,使用较高极性溶剂抽提制备蝗蝻粪便中的信息素和采用中极性的溶剂制备成蝗粪便中的聚集信息素 ,其信息素的活性均较高 ;利用低极性溶剂从东亚飞蝗粪便中制备得到的聚集信息素的活性较低 ;采用层析柱吸附浓缩飞蝗粪便中自然挥发出的气味和飞蝗体表的气味并进行生物测定后表明 ,其EAG活性普遍较低 ;因此 ,来自于飞蝗粪便中的且采用合适的溶剂抽提制备的聚集信息素 ,具有较高的生物学活性。     

Phase-independent responses to phase-specific aggregation pheromone in adult desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Abstract. Volatiles from solitary-reared (solitarious) and crowd-reared (gregarious) adult male desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), were quantitatively and qualitatively different.In particular, solitarious males did not emit phenylacetonitrile, a key component of the aggregation pheromone produced by gregarious adult males.In laboratory bioassays, solitarious and gregarious adults of both sexes responded similarly to the natural aggregation pheromone blend, the major pheromone component phenylacetonitrile, and a synthetic pheromone blend comprising benzaldehyde, guaiacol, phenylacetonitrile and phenol.EAG measurements showed significant differences in the responsiveness of adults of the two phases to the four synthetic components at high doses; however, the general response patterns were similar.These results suggest that the gregarious adult male aggregation pheromone may play a role in the arrestment and subsequent recruitment of solitarious individuals into gregarious or gregarizing groups during the early stages of a locust outbreak.     

Central nervous processing of behaviourally relevant odours in solitary and gregarious fifth instar locusts, Schistocerca gregaria

Physiological and morphological characteristics of antennal lobe neurons of solitary and gregarious fifth-instar nymphs of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, were studied using intracellular recording and staining techniques. Physiological characteristics of antennal lobe neurons of both locust phases responding to stage-dependent aggregation pheromones, egg-laying attractants, a putative sex pheromone and plant-associated volatiles are described. Antennal lobe neurons showed excitatory, inhibitory, combined excitatory and inhibitory and delayed responses. In addition, one neuron␣showing an initial inhibition followed by an excitation and inhibition response was found. Pheromone-specific-, plant-specific- and pheromone-plant-generalist neurons were found in both locust phases. Antennal lobe neurons displayed stage- and phase-dependent differences in the processing of aggregation pheromone component input. Nymphal antennal lobe neurons showed stage-dependent response characteristics highly correlated with the preferential behavioural attraction to the nymphal aggregation pheromone. Phase-dependent differences were found in the response spectra and the sensitivity of the same neuron types. Neurons of solitary locusts responded significantly more frequently to some of the tested components than neurons of gregarious locusts. Furthermore, antennal lobe neurons of solitary locusts showed a higher sensitivity to most of the tested compounds. Accepted: 4 July 1998     

花蓟马雄虫释放的聚集信息素的分离和鉴定

明确花蓟马Frankliniella intonsa雄虫释放的聚集信息素对于花蓟马生物防治具有重要意义。但目前除了西花蓟马F. occidentalis, 关于其他蓟马雄虫释放的聚集信息素及其成分鉴定的研究未有报道。本研究采用Y型嗅觉仪测定花蓟马雌雄成虫和西花蓟马雌雄成虫对花蓟马雄虫和西花蓟马雄虫气味源的嗅觉反应; 用固相微萃取（solid-phase microextraction,SPME）方法提取花蓟马雄虫挥发物, 利用含有BGB-176 SE或CP-chirasil-Dex CB 2种不同手性柱的气-质联用仪（gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, GC-MS）对挥发物进行分离和鉴定。行为学试验结果表明： 花蓟马雄虫气味源对其雄性及雌性成虫均具有明显的吸引作用。经GC-MS分析, 花蓟马雄虫挥发物中含有2种主要的化合物, 分别为(R)-lavandulyl acetate和neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate, 其与已报道的西花蓟马雄虫释放的聚集信息素成分相同。但定量分析结果表明, (R)-lavandulyl acetate与neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate在花蓟马和西花蓟马雄虫中释放的比例不同; 行为学试验进一步证明, 2种组分比例的不同在花蓟马和西花蓟马种间识别过程中发挥重要作用。本研究推测花蓟马属的昆虫释放的聚集信息素组分可能是相同的。     

Swarming mechanisms in the yellow fever mosquito: aggregation pheromones are involved in the mating behavior of Aedes aegypti

Mosquitoes of various species mate in swarms comprised of tens of thousands of flying males. In this study, we examined Aedes aegypti swarming behavior and identified associated chemical cues. Novel evidence is provided that Ae. aegypti females aggregate by means of olfactory cues, such as aggregation pheromones. Isolation of Ae. aegypti aggregation pheromones was achieved by aeration of confined mosquitoes and collection of associated volatiles by glass filters. The collected volatiles were identified through gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). Three aggregation pheromones were collected and identified as 2,6,6‐trimethylcyclohex‐2‐ene‐1,4‐dione (ketoisophorone) (CAS# 1125–21–9, t_R = 18.75), 2,2,6‐trimethylcyclohexane‐1,4‐dione (the saturated analog of ketoisophorone) (CAS# 20547–99–3, t_R = 20.05), and 1‐(4‐ethylphenyl) ethanone (CAS# 937–30–4, t_R = 24.22). Our biological studies revealed that the identified compounds stimulated mosquito behavior under laboratory conditions. The mechanism of mosquito swarm formation is discussed in light of our behavioral study findings. A preliminary field trial demonstrated the potential application of the isolated aggregation pheromones in controlling Ae. aegypti.     

Fragrance volatiles of developing and senescing carnation flowers

Thirteen major volatiles of the carnation flower fragrance signature have been identified by GC/MS. Of these, ten, hexanal, (2E)-hexenal, 1-hexanol, 2-hexanol, 3-hexen-1-ol, nonanal, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate and caryophyllene, were quantified. The steady-state levels of these ten volatiles change independently as the flowers develop and senesce, suggesting that their synthesis is developmentally regulated. In addition, the chemical composition of the fragrance signature in naturally senesced flowers proved to be very different from that for flowers that had been induced to senesce prematurely by treatment with ethylene. Thus, senescence-related changes in carnation floral scent appear not to be directly regulated by ethylene. From cellular fractionation studies, it is evident that all of the volatiles, except 2-hexanol, are present in both membranous and cytosolic compartments, suggesting that their synthesis is membrane-associated and that they subsequently partition into the cytosol in accordance with partition coefficients.     

Plant volatiles moderate response to aggregation pheromone in Colorado potato beetle

Abstract:  The orientation of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata , to a male-produced aggregation pheromone, ( S )-3,7-dimethyl-2-oxo-oct-6-ene-1,3-diol, a three-component plant attractant blend [comprised of ( Z )-3-hexenyl acetate + (±)-linalool + methyl salicylate], and other potato volatiles (nonanal and 2-phenylethanol) were tested. All compounds were previously shown to be active in coupled gas chromatography/electroantennogram experiments. Both the three-component plant attractant blend and 2-phenylethanol were attractive to adult beetles. While male beetles oriented preferentially to both plant attractants vs. a control, females showed little preference. Combining the plant attractants with the pheromone resulted in sexually dimorphic responses similar to those seen with either plant attractant alone. Addition of nonanal abolished the sexually dimorphic response to the pheromone + 2-phenylethanol blend; the new three-component blend was attractive to both sexes. In both laboratory bioassays and field experiments, a combination of the pheromone + the three-component plant attractant was preferred over the plant attractant alone. Thus, it seems likely that combinations of pheromone + plant volatiles may be the most efficacious for field use.     

Pheromones in relation to aggregation and reproduction in desert locusts

Abstract. Desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), exhibit a population density-dependent phase polymorphism which includes the gradual change of many morphological, physiological and behavioural characteristics. Many volatiles associated with desert locusts have been identified recently and it is assumed that they are involved in pheromonal control of behaviour and development of locusts. Ovipositing females deposit with their egg pods several volatiles that appear to be attractive to other females resulting – possibly in combination with environmental factors – in an aggregated oviposition. Mature males release several volatiles, among them phenylacetonitrile, which are reported to accelerate sexual maturation in young males. Also, aggregation pheromone systems for hoppers and adults have been described. However, recent studies and publications shed a new light on the postulated effects of some of these volatiles. Gregarious behaviour can undoubtedly be induced by mechanical stimuli. Furthermore, the main component of the adult aggregation pheromone system, phenylacetonitrile, is found to be a repellent obviously not involved in aggregation. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated that phenylacetonitrile is used by mature gregarious males as a courtship inhibition pheromone to enhance mate guarding. Recent progress, contradictory results and perspectives in desert locust pheromone research related to reproduction are summarized and discussed in this paper.     

Electroantennogram responses of aphid nymphs to plant volatiles

Abstract. Electroantennogram (EAG) responses of immature aphids were investigated for 30 plant volatile compounds in third‐ and fourth‐stadium nymphs of the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae. The nymphs were destined to develop into adult alate (winged) virginoparae. The EAG response profiles were similar to those previously reported in the adults. Among the compounds tested, hexanonitrile elicited the largest EAG responses in both nymphal stadia, corresponding to previously reported results with adults. Six‐carbon aliphatic compounds showed relatively higher EAG activities in the nymphs but, in contrast, (E)‐2‐hexenal, benzaldehyde, α‐pinene and β‐pinene, and citronellal elicited relatively smaller EAG responses in nymphs than adults. Although overall EAG response profiles were similar between the third and the fourth stadia for the majority of the volatiles, four aldehyde compounds, hexanal (E)‐2‐heptenal, 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and citronellal, showed relatively higher EAG activities in the third than in the fourth stadium. The present study indicates that aphid nymphs possess a functional olfactory receptor system before the antennae are fully developed morphologically and physiologically.     

CRISPR/Cas9 in locusts: Successful establishment of an olfactory deficiency line by targeting the mutagenesis of an odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco)

Locusts are important agricultural pests worldwide and regarded as study models for entomology. However, the absence of targeted gene manipulation systems for locusts has restricted their applications for research. Herein, we report the successful use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to induce a targeted heritable mutagenesis of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. The target sequence of gRNA was designed to disrupt the gene encoding the odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) and examine the roles of the odorant receptor pathway in the locust. Microinjection of the mixture of Cas9-mRNA and Orco-gRNA into the locust eggs resulted in efficient target-gene editing at a rate of 71.7% in G0 animals and achieved a germline efficiency of up to 88.1% in G1 animals. By a crossing strategy, we successfully established stable Orco mutant lines. EAGs and SSRs indicated that the fourth-instar nymphs of the Orco mutants showed severely impaired electrophysiological responses to multiple odors. The Orco mutant locusts lost an attraction response to aggregation pheromones under the crowding conditions. The locomotor activity and body coloration of the Orco mutant locusts did not significantly differ from those of the two other genotypes. This study provides an easy and effective approach by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system for generating loss-of-function mutants for functional genetic studies of locusts and for managing insect pests.     

Electroantennogram and behavioral responses of Cotesia plutellae to plant volatiles

Plant volatiles have been demonstrated to play an important role in regulating the behavior of Cotesia plutellae, a major larval parasitoid of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella, but little is currently known about the function of each volatile and their mixtures. We selected 13 volatiles of the DBM host plant, a cruciferous vegetable, to study the electroantennogram (EAG) and behavioral responses of C. plutellae. EAG responses to each of the compounds generally increased with concentration. Strong EAG responses were to 100 μL/mL of trans‐2‐hexenal, benzaldehyde, nonanal and cis‐3‐hexenol, and 10 μL/mL of trans‐2‐hexenal and benzaldehyde with the strongest response provoked by trans‐2‐hexenal at 100 μL/mL. In the Y‐tube olfactometer, C. plutellae, was significantly attracted by 1 μL/mL of trans‐2‐hexenal and benzaldehyde. β‐caryophyllene, cis‐3‐hexenol or trans‐2‐hexenal significantly attracted C. plutellae at 10 μL/mL, while nonanal, benzyl alcohol, cis‐3‐hexenol or benzyl cyanide at 100 μL/mL significantly attracted C. plutellae. Trans‐2‐hexenal significantly repelled C. plutellae at 100 μL/mL. EAG of C. plutellae showed strong responses to all mixtures made of five various compounds with mixtures 3 (trans‐2‐hexenal, benzaldehyde, nonanal, cis‐3‐hexenol, benzyl cyanide, farnesene, eucalyptol) and 4 (trans‐2‐hexenal, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, (R)‐(+)‐limonene, β‐ionone, farnesene, eucalyptol) significantly attracting C. plutellae. These findings demonstrate that the behavior of C. plutellae can be affected either by individual compounds or mixtures of plant volatiles, suggesting a potential of using plant volatiles to improve the efficiency of this parasitoid for biocontrol of P. xylostella.     

Antennal and behavioural responses of Heortia vitessoides females to host plant volatiles of Aquilaria sinensis

This study investigated volatiles from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg (Thymelaeaceae) leaves that attracted Heortia vitessoides Moore (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Volatiles from young and old A. sinensis leaves were identified and quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography‐electroantennogram detection. Both wind tunnel bioassays and field tests were conducted to measure the attraction of adults to synthetic blends of volatiles from leaves of different maturations. Consistent electroantennographic activity was obtained for nine and three compounds from headspace collections of young and old A. sinensis leaves, respectively. Qualitative and quantitative differences were found among two odour profiles. In wind tunnel experiments, the fresh young leaves proved to be more attractive to females than old leaves. A nine‐component mixture, including hexanal, limonene, 2‐hexanol, octanal, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, nonanal, decanal, and 2,6,10‐trimethyl‐dodecane (with a ratio of 2:16:9:4:63:100:13:10:5) from young leaves attracted moths significantly more than the three‐component mixture of nonanal, decanal, and 2,6,10‐trimethyl‐dodecane (with a ratio of 11:14:26) from old leaves. Further subtractive bioassays conducted in the wind tunnel showed that both the complete nine‐component mixture and a subtracted four‐component mixture of hexanal, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, nonanal, and decanal (with a ratio of 2:63:13:10) elicited equivalent responses in females. All components in the four‐component blend were essential for optimal attraction. In a field trial using the nine‐ and four‐component blends, more moths were captured using both blends than in traps baited with hexane only. Our study indicates that the odour blends of young leaves play an important role in H. vitessoides host plant recognition. The mechanisms behind host recognition and age‐dependent changes in leaf chemistry are discussed.     

固相微萃取-气质法测定土壤挥发性抑菌物质

运用固相微萃取．气相色谱,质谱法(SPME-GC／MS),测定了参与土壤抑真菌作用的土壤挥发性成分和土壤细菌挥发性代谢物。通过比较土壤来源和土壤细菌来源的挥发性抑菌成分,发现在强挥发性抑菌土壤和土壤细菌代谢物中普遍存在着三甲胺、二甲基二硫醚、3-甲基-2-戊酮、甲基吡嗪、2,5-二甲基吡嗪、N,N-二甲基辛胺、十九烷等化合物。这些化合物很有可能就是参与土壤抑菌作用,特别是挥发性物质抑菌作用的主要成分。另外,为深入了解土壤中参与抑菌作用的挥发性化合物提供了简便有效的方法。     

Response of female Cydia molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to plant derived volatiles

Peach shoot volatiles were attractive to mated female oriental fruit moth, Cydia molesta (Busck), in a dual choice arena. No preference was observed between leaf odours from the principle host plant, peach, and the secondary host plant, apple. Twenty-two compounds were identified in headspace volatiles of peach shoots using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Green leaf volatiles accounted for more than 50% of the total emitted volatiles. A bioassay-assisted fractionation using different sorbent polymers indicated an attractant effect of compounds with a chain length of 6-8 carbon atoms. The major compounds of this fraction were tested either singly or in combinations for behavioural response of females. Significant bioactivity was found for a three-component mixture of (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and benzaldehyde in a 4:1:1 ratio. This synthetic mixture elicited a similar attractant effect as the full natural blend from peach shoots as well as the bioactive fraction.     

Identification of pheromone-like compounds in male reproductive organs of the oriental locust Locusta migratoria

Despite the great economical interest of locusts in agriculture, knowledge on their chemoreception systems is still poor. Phenylacetonitrile is recognised as a pheromone of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria, triggering gregarization, promoting aggregation and inhibiting courtship. However, in the other major locust species, Locusta migratoria, pheromones have not been reported. We have identified the two isomers of naphthylpropionitrile from the male reproductive organs of L. migratoria. Chemical synthesis has confirmed the identity of the two compounds. Both isomers show significant affinity to CSP91, a protein reported in the testis, but not to three other proteins of the same family (CSP180, CSP540 and CSP884) expressed in female accessory glands. The striking similarity of these compounds with phenylacetonitrile and the unusual nature of such chemicals strongly suggest that naphthylpropionitrile could be pheromones for L. migratoria, while their site of expression and binding activity indicate a role in communication between sexes.     

Behavioural and electrophysiological responses of Triatoma dimidiata nymphs to conspecific faecal volatiles

The behavioural and electrophysiological (electroantennography) responses of the first two instars of Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Latreille to fresh and dry faecal headspace volatile extracts from fifth instar conspecific nymphs and synthetic compounds were analysed in this study. Recently emerged nymphs (3–5 days) aggregated around filter paper impregnated with dry faeces and around filter paper impregnated with extracts from both fresh and dry faeces. Older first instars (10–15 days) and second instars aggregated around filter paper impregnated with fresh and dry faeces, and their respective headspace extracts. Dry faecal volatile extracts elicited the strongest antennal responses, followed by fresh faecal extracts. Gas chromatography?mass spectrometry analysis of dried faecal headspace volatiles demonstrated the presence of 12 compounds: 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol, 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene, n ‐octadecane, n ‐nonadecane, n ‐eicosane, n ‐heneicosane, n ‐tricosane, n ‐pentaeicosane, n ‐hexaeicosane, n ‐octaeicosane, nonanal, and 4‐methyl quinazoline. In fresh faecal headspace extracts, only nonanal was clearly detected, although there were other trace compounds, including several unidentified sesquiterpenes. Four of the 11 compounds tested individually elicited aggregation behaviour at concentrations of 100 ng/µL and 1 µg/µL. A blend containing these four components also mediated the aggregation of nymphs. These volatiles may be valuable for developing monitoring methods and designing sensitive strategies to detect and measure T. dimidiata infestation.     

西藏飞蝗蝗蝻群集迁移特性及其群集效应

西藏飞蝗Locusta migratoria tibetnsis Chen暴发成灾的重要原因之一是蝗蝻具有群集迁移危害习性。为阐明西藏飞蝗灾变的行为机制,为西藏飞蝗的监测预警和防治提供科学依据,利用视频跟踪技术测定了自然环境中西藏飞蝗蝗蝻群集迁移的运动速度、方向,建立自推进粒子模型模拟蝗蝻群集迁移行为,分析群集迁移效应。结果表明,①不同自然环境中的西藏飞蝗蝗蝻在群集迁移过程中,群体内个体的运动表现出定向集体运动,群集迁移速度为0.1256 m/s,0.2 m以内的个体蝗蝻方向趋向一致。沙滩、翻耕农田和草地蝗蝻群运动一致性参数均较高,分别为0.8502、0.7870和0.6987。②西藏飞蝗蝗蝻群由分散运动转变为群集迁移存在临界密度,密度较低时群体内个体分散运动,当蝗蝻密度达到12-15头/m²时,蝗蝻群体由分散运动转变为高度一致的群集迁移运动。③蝗蝻群通过群集迁移可以显著增加迁移距离,随机运动蝗蝻1 d扩展只有70-80 m,而群集迁移1 d最大距离可达2.5 km。蝗蝻群集迁移可以提高发现特别是远距离食物等资源的概率,使群体中更多的个体受益。④尽管未发现室外蝗蝻群存在先验个体,但模拟发现在群集迁移群体中,只需要少数先验个体（3%-5%）即可引导整个蝗蝻群运动。     

Analysis of strawberry volatiles using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with headspace solid-phase microextraction

The aims of the current study were to develop an enantioselective multi-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC) method for the examination of strawberry volatiles and to use this method to make comparisons between the volatile profiles of different cultivars and between fresh picked and post-harvest berries of the same cultivar. Strawberry volatiles were sampled using solid-phase microextraction (SPME), and the repeatability and reproducibility of this method was examined. Semi-quantitative analysis of the volatiles was conducted using the relatively new technique of comprehensive multi-dimensional gas chromatography, using enantioselective (chiral) columns for the differentiation of analyte enantiomers. Chiral GC x GC facilitated the detection of key enantiomers in strawberry flavour. The (-)-enantiomer of 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-(2H)-furan-3-one (DMHF) and the S-enantiomer of linalool were tentatively identified as the predominant forms in both the cultivars Selva and Adina. The compounds benzaldehyde and methyl hexanoate were shown to decrease in post-harvest berries, whilst DMHF and nerolidol increased upon storage.