Volatile Compounds Emitted by Flowers: Extraction, Identification, and Application

Dear Colleagues,

Numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with a large chemical diversity are emitted by plant flowers. They play an important role in the ecology of plants, such as pollination, defense, adaptation to their environment, and communication with other organisms.

A wide variety of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are produced and emitted by plants, especially in organs such as flowers, leaves, fruits, and roots. More than 1700 volatile compounds have been identified and can be classified in the following categories: terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, fatty acid and amino acid derivatives, various compounds containing sulfur, as well as furanocoumarins and their derivatives. The volatile compounds emitted by flowers (scented or unscented) generally have a low molecular weight and differ significantly according to the species studied. They play an important role in attracting pollinators, in defense against herbivores, in adaptation to environmental stress, and in communication between flowering plants. Floral scent therefore not only has a role in several eco-physiological processes, but also enhances the aesthetic character of ornamental plants and is widely used in the perfume and fragrance industry, in the food industry, and in cosmetics. For all these reasons, the number of scientific studies carried out on floral scents has increased in recent years, motivated by the discovery of new notes useful in perfumery and by the deepening of knowledge in plant physiology.

This Special Issue of Plants will highlight the isolation/extraction methods, chemical diversity of plant volatiles emitted by flowers in plants, and applications including their role in the interactions of plants with their environment.

Prof. Dr. Patrick Meffre
Guest Editor

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