Chirality and biosynthesis of lilac compounds in Actinidia arguta flowers

Biosynthesis of lilac compounds in ‘Hortgem Tahi’ kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) flowers was investigated by treating inflorescences with d₅-linalool. The incorporation of the deuterium label into 8-hydroxylinalool, 8-oxolinalool, the lilac aldehydes, alcohols, and alcohol epoxides was followed by GC-MS and enantioselective GC-MS. Both (R)- and (S)-linalool were produced naturally by the flowers, but 8-hydroxylinalool, 8-oxolinalool, and the lilac aldehydes and alcohols occurred predominantly as the (S) and 5′(S)-diastereoisomers, respectively. The enantioselective step in the biosynthesis of the lilac aldehydes and alcohols was concluded to be the oxidation of linalool to (S)-8-hydroxylinalool. In contrast, the lilac alcohol epoxides had a 5′(R):(S) ratio, the same as for linalool, which suggests that either these compounds are not synthesised from the 5′(S)-configured lilac aldehydes and alcohols, or that if indeed they are, then it is by an enantioselective step that favours utilisation of the 5′(R)-configured compounds.     

Biosynthesis and enantioselectivity in the production of the lilac compounds in Actinidia arguta flowers

Biosynthesis of the lilac alcohols and alcohol epoxides from linalool in ‘Hortgem Tahi’ kiwifruit (Actinidiaarguta) flowers was investigated by incubating flowers with rac-linalool, rac-[4,4,10,10,10-²H₅]linalool, (R)-8-hydroxylinalool and (R)-8-oxolinalool. All substrates were incorporated into the lilac alcohols although the (R)-configured compounds are not normally present in flowers. Biosynthesis of the lilac alcohol epoxides from rac-1,2-epoxy[4,4,10,10,10-²H₅]linalool and rac-[4′,4′, 8′, 8′,8′-²H₅]lilac aldehyde epoxide, rather than the lilac alcohols, was examined. Both substrates were non-enantioselectively converted to the lilac alcohol epoxides, suggesting two biosynthetic pathways for these compounds, contrary to previous reports. Their ability to process unnatural substrates indicates that A.arguta flowers have a greater biosynthetic capability than is suggested by their phytochemical composition. Linalool, the lilac compounds, and their biosynthetic intermediates were measured in the pistils, stamen, petals and sepals to determine if localisation in different organs contributed to only (S)-linalool being processed to the lilac compounds. Both linalool enantiomers were present in all organs, while most (97%) of the lilac compounds, and their precursors, were found in the petals. (S)-Linalool was not depleted from the flower petals, with respect to (R)-linalool, during the time of maximum production of the metabolites of (S)-linalool.     

基于 HS-SPME/GC-MS 分析山茶品种‘克瑞墨大牡丹’花器官香气成分简

采用顶空固相微萃取法（HS-SPME）提取了山茶品种‘克瑞墨大牡丹’不同花器官自然挥发的花香挥发油,并用气相色谱—质谱联用仪（GC-MS）分析了花香成分。分别从整花、花瓣、雄蕊中检测到了89、80、21种化合物。花香成分主要由萜类、芳香族化合物、脂肪族化合物等组成,其中以单萜中的芳樟醇相对含量最高,以下依次为顺式氧化芳樟醇、水杨酸甲酯、十四烷等。花瓣和雄蕊中花香成分有较大差别,芳樟醇在花瓣和雄蕊中均占首位,相对含量分别为15.12%和63.97%,雄蕊缺乏烷烃和芳香烃。同一朵花所有花瓣的花香绝对挥发量是所有雄蕊的3倍以上,但质量相同时雄蕊的挥发量却明显高于花瓣,表明花瓣和雄蕊对‘克瑞墨大牡丹’的花香具有同样重要的贡献。     

Enantiomer Distribution of Major Chiral Volatile Organic Compounds in Selected Types of Herbal Honeys

In this article, volatile organic compounds in 14 honey samples (rosemary, eucalyptus, orange, thyme, sage, and lavender) were identified. Volatile organic compounds were extracted using a solid phase microextraction method followed by gas chromatography connected with mass spectrometry analysis. The studied honey samples were compared based on their volatile organic compounds composition. In total, more than 180 compounds were detected in the studied samples. The detected compounds belong to various chemical classes such as terpenes, alcohols, acids, aldehydes, ketones, esters, norisoprenoids, benzene and furane derivatives, and organic compounds containing sulfur and nitrogen heteroatom. Ten chiral compounds (linalool, trans‐linalool oxide, cis‐linalool oxide, 4‐terpineol, α‐terpineol, hotrienol, and four stereoisomers of lilac aldehydes) were selected for further chiral separation. Chirality 26:670‐674, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Floral Scent Production in Clarkia (Onagraceae) (I. Localization and Developmental Modulation of Monoterpene Emission and Linalool Synthase Activity)

The flowers of many plants emit volatile compounds as a means of attracting pollinators. We have previously shown that the strong, sweet fragrance of Clarkia breweri (Onagraceae), an annual plant native to California, consists of approximately 8 to 12 volatile compounds[mdash]three monoterpenes and nine benzoate derivatives (R.A. Raguso and E. Pichersky [1994] Plant Syst Evol [in press]). Here we report that the monoterpene alcohol linalool is synthesized and emitted mostly by petals but to a lesser extent also by the pistil and stamens. Two linalool oxides are produced and emitted almost exclusively by the pistil. These three monoterpenes are first discernible in mature unopened buds, and their tissue levels are highest during the first 2 to 3 d after anthesis. Levels of emission by the different floral parts throughout the life span of the flower were correlated with levels of these monoterpenes in the respective tissues, suggesting that these monoterpenes are emitted soon after their synthesis. Activity of linalool synthase, an enzyme that converts the ubiquitous C10 isoprenoid intermediate geranyl pyrophosphate to linalool, was highest in petals, the organ that emits most of the linalool. However, linalool synthase activity on a fresh weight basis was highest in stigma and style (i.e. the pistil). Most of the linalool produced in the pistil is apparently converted into linalool oxides. Lower levels (0.1%) of monoterpene emission and linalool synthase activity are found in the stigma of Clarkia concinna, a nonscented relative of C. breweri, suggesting that monoterpenes may have other functions in the flower in addition to attracting pollinators.     

CYP76C1 (Cytochrome P450)-Mediated Linalool Metabolism and the Formation of Volatile and Soluble Linalool Oxides in Arabidopsis Flowers: A Strategy for Defense against Floral Antagonists

The acyclic monoterpene alcohol linalool is one of the most frequently encountered volatile compounds in floral scents. Various linalool oxides are usually emitted along with linalool, some of which are cyclic, such as the furanoid lilac compounds. Recent work has revealed the coexistence of two flower-expressed linalool synthases that produce the (S)- or (R)-linalool enantiomers and the involvement of two P450 enzymes in the linalool oxidation in the flowers of Arabidopsis thaliana. Partially redundant enzymes may also contribute to floral linalool metabolism. Here, we provide evidence that CYP76C1 is a multifunctional enzyme that catalyzes a cascade of oxidation reactions and is the major linalool metabolizing oxygenase in Arabidopsis flowers. Based on the activity of the recombinant enzyme and mutant analyses, we demonstrate its prominent role in the formation of most of the linalool oxides identified in vivo, both as volatiles and soluble conjugated compounds, including 8-hydroxy, 8-oxo, and 8-COOH-linalool, as well as lilac aldehydes and alcohols. Analysis of insect behavior on CYP76C1 mutants and in response to linalool and its oxygenated derivatives demonstrates that CYP76C1-dependent modulation of linalool emission and production of linalool oxides contribute to reduced floral attraction and favor protection against visitors and pests.     

Insect odour perception: recognition of odour components by flower foraging moths

Odours emitted by flowers are complex blends of volatile compounds. These odours are learnt by flower-visiting insect species, improving their recognition of rewarding flowers and thus foraging efficiency. We investigated the flexibility of floral odour learning by testing whether adult moths recognize single compounds common to flowers on which they forage. Dual choice preference tests on Helicoverpa armigera moths allowed free flying moths to forage on one of three flower species; Argyranthemum frutescens (federation daisy), Cajanus cajan (pigeonpea) or Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco). Results showed that, (i) a benzenoid (phenylacetaldehyde) and a monoterpene (linalool) were subsequently recognized after visits to flowers that emitted these volatile constituents, (ii) in a preference test, other monoterpenes in the flowers' odour did not affect the moths' ability to recognize the monoterpene linalool and (iii) relative preferences for two volatiles changed after foraging experience on a single flower species that emitted both volatiles. The importance of using free flying insects and real flowers to understand the mechanisms involved in floral odour learning in nature are discussed in the context of our findings.     

Lilac alcohol epoxide: a linalool derivative in Actinidia arguta flowers

Lilac alcohol epoxide (2-(5-methyl-5-(oxiran-2-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)propan-1-ol), a previously unreported monoterpene, was identified in the solvent extract of the flowers of seven Actinidia arguta genotypes. The diastereomeric lilac alcohol epoxides co-occurred with the lilac aldehydes and alcohols. Another compound, the lilac diol (2-(5-(1-hydroxyethyl)-5-methyl-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)propan-1-ol) was synthesised as part of our efforts to identify the lilac alcohol epoxide.     

Floral scent of Canada thistle and its potential as a generic insect attractant

The flowers of Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense (L.), attract a wide range of insects, including pollinators and herbivorous species. This attraction is primarily mediated by floral odor, which offers potential for developing generic insect attractants based on odor. In this study, we have analyzed the chemical composition of the volatiles produced by Canada thistle flowers. Nineteen floral compounds were identified in the headspace, including phenylacetaldehyde (55%), methyl salicylate (14%), dimethyl salicylate (8%), pyranoid linalool oxide (4.5%), and benzaldehyde (3.5%). Other minor compounds include benzyl alcohol, methylbenzoate, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol, furanoid linalool oxide, p-anisaldehyde, 2,6-dimethyl-1,3,5,7-octatetraene, benzylacetate, benzyl tiglate, (E,E)-alpha-farnesene, benzyl benzoate, isopropyl myristate, and 2-phenylethyl ester benzoic acid. The relative attractiveness of various doses of the main floral volatile compound phenylacetaldehyde (i.e., 10, 100, 200, and 400 mg) was tested for insect attraction. Both the total catch and the biodiversity of insect species trapped increased as the loading of phenylacetaldehyde increased. Volatiles were chosen from the odors from the flowers of Canada thistle and formulated and tested in the field. An 11-component blend was the most attractive of several floral blends tested. These findings indicate that chemical components of flower odors of Canada thistle can serve as a generic insect attractant for monitoring of invasive pest species.     

Non-targeted analysis of spatial metabolite composition in strawberry (Fragariaxananassa) flowers

Formation of flower organs and the subsequent pollination process require a coordinated spatial and temporal regulation of particular metabolic pathways. In this study a comparison has been made between the metabolite composition of individual flower organs of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) including the petal, sepal, stamen, pistil and the receptacle that gives rise to the strawberry fruit. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis of the semi-polar secondary metabolites by the use of UPLC-qTOF-MS was utilized in order to localize metabolites belonging to various chemical classes (e.g. ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, terpenoids, and spermidine derivatives) to the different flower organs. The vast majority of the tentatively identified metabolites were ellagitannins that accumulated in all five parts of the flower. Several metabolite classes were detected predominantly in certain flower organs, as for example spermidine derivatives were present uniquely in the stamen and pistil, and the proanthocyanidins were almost exclusively detected in the receptacle and sepals. The latter organ was also rich in terpenoids (i.e. triterpenoid and sesquiterpenoid derivatives) whereas phenolic acids and flavonols were the predominant classes of compounds detected in the petals. Furthermore, we observed extensive variation in the accumulation of metabolites from the same class in a single organ, particularly in the case of ellagitannins, and the flavonols quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin. These results allude to spatially-restricted production of secondary metabolite classes and specialized derivatives in flowers that take part in implementing the unique program of individual organs in the floral life cycle.     

木荷花挥发性成分的GC-MS分析

采用无水乙醚超声萃取得到新鲜木荷(Schima superba)花浸膏提取物,顶空固相微萃取富集挥发性成分,气相色谱-质谱联用仪分析,归一化法计算各组分的相对含量.鉴定出挥发性化合物中的51个成分,约占相对总含量的99%;挥发性成分中含氧化合物的含量超过93%,其中主要的化合物及其相对含量为酮代异佛尔酮(26.33%)、氧化芳樟醇(19.53%)、环氧芳樟醇(8.80%)、3,7-二甲基-2,6-辛二烯-1-醇(8.23%)、白藜芦素(7.89%)、4-羟基3,5,5-三甲基-2-环己烯-1-酮(6.54%)、2,6,6-三甲基-1,4-环己二酮(4.06%)、苯乙醇(2.17%)、2-甲基-2-壬烯-1-醇(2.04%)等.     

Solid-phase microextraction of volatile compounds from flowers of two Brunfelsia species

Two plant species belonging to the genus Brunfelsia, commonly known as “Yesterday-Today-and-Tomorrow”, are closely related, however, differ by their flower fragrance. Flowers of Brunfelsia australis present a pleasant fragrance, whereas flowers of Brunfelsia pauciflora are scentless. SPME/GC/MS analysis on flower samples of both species of Brunfelsia indicated that flowers of B. australis emitted a fresh flowery fragrance, essentially comprising two monoterpenic compounds (linalool and (E)-ocimene). B. pauciflora, on the other hand, produced only a few sesquiterpenoids. These results are considered in an ecological and evolutionary context.     

Volatile compounds of headspace gas in the Japanese fish sauce ishiru

Volatile compounds from the headspace gas of ten brands of the Japanese fish sauce ishiru were analyzed by GC-MS with a thermal-desorption cold-trap system. Many volatile peaks were detected and 51 compounds were identified. The major volatile compounds in ishiru included aldehydes (such as 2-methylpropanal, 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, and benzaldehyde), nitrogen-containing compounds (such as pyrazine derivatives and trimethylamine), sulfur-containing compounds (such as dimethyl disulfide), and ketones (such as 2-butanone and 3-methyl-2-butanone). On the other hand, volatile fatty acids were nearly absent in the headspace gas of ishiru.     

白木香花和果实挥发油成分的GC-MS分析

采用溶剂萃取法提取白木香(Aquilaria sinensis(Lourl.)Gilg)花和果实的挥发油,经GC-MS分析,从花挥发油中鉴定出26个化合物,占总油量的92.07%;从果实挥发油中鉴定出26个化合物,占总油量的93.66%.其中11个化合物为共有成分,且二者均含壬酸等致香成分.     

爱玉子花序挥发物成分以及对其传粉小蜂的吸引作用

利用动态顶空吸附法和GC-MS分析,研究接受期以及传粉或产卵5d后爱玉子(Ficus awkeotsang)雌、雄隐头花序挥发物成分。研究结果表明:爱玉子隐头花序挥发物的组成成分复杂,种类繁多,主要成分是对传粉小蜂具有显著吸引作用的芳樟醇。组成雌、雄花序的接受期挥发物信号的化合物种类与数量不同,但两者之间的共有化合物却占花序挥发物总量的70%以上,且接受期雌、雄花序挥发物组成比例相似,小蜂无法通过花序挥发物信号的差异,区别雌、雄花序,从而支持"榕树雌、雄花序接受期挥发物存在相互模拟现象"的假说。爱玉子传粉(或产卵)前后花序挥发物信号发生变化,表现在花序在传粉(或产卵)后,一些挥发性化合物在榕果中消失或相对含量减少(如芳樟醇),有些化合物的相对含量增加(如苯甲酸甲酯),并出现新的化合物(如2-乙基己醇);在化合物组成上,萜类化合物相对含量下降,芳香族化合物、脂肪族化合物相对含量上升。嗅觉仪实验表明爱玉子接受期雌、雄花序挥发物对其传粉榕小蜂有极显著的吸引作用,而传粉(或产卵)5d后的雌、雄花序挥发物对传粉榕小蜂有显著的趋避作用。传粉小蜂对雌、雄接受期花序挥发物的选择没有偏向性。榕果通过挥发物的释放量和成分的改变反映出花发育与被授粉(被产卵)状况,传粉小蜂通过接收榕果发出的化学信息,判断选择适合的寄主。研究对于爱玉子的高产栽培以及植物与昆虫专性共生化学生态学机制的理论研究具有重要的意义。     

EVOLUTION OF REPRODUCTIVE STRATEGIES IN THE SEXUALLY DECEPTIVE ORCHID OPHRYS SPHEGODES: HOW DOES FLOWER‐SPECIFIC VARIATION OF ODOR SIGNALS INFLUENCE REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS?

The orchid Ophrys sphegodes Miller is pollinated by sexually excited males of the solitary bee Andrena nigroaenea, which are lured to the flowers by visual cues and volatile semiochemicals. In O. sphegodes, visits by pollinators are rare. Because of this low frequency of pollination, one would expect the evolution of strategies that increase the chance that males will visit more than one flower on the same plant; this would increase the number of pollination events on a plant and therefore the number of seeds produced. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses, we identified more than 100 compounds in the odor bouquets of labellum extracts from O. sphegodes; 24 compounds were found to be biologically active in male olfactory receptors based on gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD). Gas chromatography (GC) analyses of odors from individual flowers showed less intraspecific variation in the odor bouquets of the biologically active compounds as compared to nonactive compounds. This can be explained by a higher selective pressure on the pollinator-attracting communication signal. Furthermore, we found a characteristic variation in the GC-EAD active esters and aldehydes among flowers of different stem positions within an inflorescence and in the n-alkanes and n-alkenes among plants from different populations. In our behavioral field tests, we showed that male bees learn the odor bouquets of individual flowers during mating attempts and recognize them in later encounters. Bees thereby avoid trying to mate with flowers they have visited previously, but do not avoid other flowers either of a different or the same plant. By varying the relative proportions of saturated esters and aldehydes between flowers of different stem positions, we demonstrated that a plant may take advantage of the learning abilities of the pollinators and influence flower visitation behavior. Sixty-seven percent of the males that visited one flower in an inflorescence returned to visit a second flower of the same inflorescence. However, geitonogamy is prevented and the likelihood of cross-fertilization is enhanced by the time required for the pollinium deposited on the pollinator to complete its bending movement, which is necessary for pollination to occur. Cross-fertilization is furthermore enhanced by the high degree of odor variation between plants. This variation minimizes learned avoidance of the flowers and increases the likelihood that a given pollinator would visit several to many different plants within a population.     

火棘花挥发油化学成分的GC-MS分析及抗氧化活性研究

采用水蒸气蒸馏法提取火棘花挥发油,利用气相色谱—质谱联用技术(GC-MS)分析其化学成分。使用维生素C和BHT为阳性对照,以DPPH自由基、亚硝酸钠清除作用为指标评价挥发油的抗氧化活性。从挥发油中鉴定了77个化合物,占挥发油总量的83.77%,含有多种生物活性成分,以萜类及其含氧衍生物(50.31%)、烷烃(18.52%)、醛(5.54%)为主;挥发油对DPPH自由基、亚硝酸钠有明显的清除作用,清除率为50%时,其体积分别为43.51、79.48μL,样品量与清除率间呈量效关系;挥发油对DPPH自由基的清除效果略低于1 mg·mL-1维生素C,对亚硝酸钠的清除效果优于1 mg·mL-1的BHT。     

动态吸附与气相色谱-质谱（GC-MS）联用分析密蒙花（醉鱼草科）的挥发性花香成分

采用气相色谱-质谱联用技术对动态吸附法收集的密蒙花（Buddleja officinalis）花香成分进行了分析,并用气相色谱面积归-化法对各成分进行了定量。从密蒙花中分离出16个挥发性成分,定性定量出其中的11个,占挥发性成分总量的95．44％。其中丁基醋酸乙酯（81．57％）、苯甲醛（4．92％）、3-已烯-1-醇（3．26％）、欧洲丁香醛（2．34％）和芳樟醇（1．05％）为主要成分。该研究阐明了自然条件下密蒙花的花香成分及组成,其结果为今后定向创新醉鱼草属新香型观赏品种提供了科学依据。     

A comparison of the composition of epicuticular wax from red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) flowers

Epicuticular waxes have been characterised from the flowers of raspberry and hawthorn, on both of which adult raspberry beetles (Byturus tomentosus) can feed. The flower wax from both species had similar alkane profiles and also contained long-chain alcohols, aldehydes and fatty acids. The range of the carbon numbers detected for these classes of compounds was broadly similar in both but the relative amounts of each differed between species. Raspberry flower wax also contained fatty acid methyl esters, a group of compounds that has rarely been detected in plant epicuticular waxes, however, these were not observed in hawthorn flower wax. Long-chain alcohol-fatty acid esters with carbon numbers ranging from C36 to C48 were also detected in both plant species. However, an examination of their constituent acids indicated that in hawthorn the esters based on the C16 fatty acid predominated, whilst in raspberry flower wax, esters based on the C20 fatty acid were most abundant. Both species also contained pentacyclic triterpenoids, which accounted for, on average, over 16 and 48% of the total wax extracted from raspberry and hawthorn flowers respectively. In the former, ursolic and oleanolic acids accounted for over 90% of the pentacyclic triterpenes, whilst hawthorn flower wax, in addition to containing these acids, also contained high relative concentrations of both free and esterified alpha- and beta-amyrins.