Evaluation of floral volatile patterns in the genus Narcissus using gas chromatography–coupled ion mobility spectrometry

Abstract

Premise Daffodils (Narcissus, Amaryllidaceae) are iconic ornamentals with a complex floral biology and many fragrant species; however, little is known about floral plant volatile organic compounds (pVOCs) across the genus and additional sampling is desirable. The present study investigates whether the floral scent of 20 species of Narcissus can be characterized using gas chromatography–coupled ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS), with the aim of building a comparative pVOC data set for ecological and evolutionary studies. Methods We used a commercial GC–IMS equipped with an integrated in‐line enrichment system for a fast, sensitive, and automated pVOC analysis. This facilitates qualitative and (semi)‐quantitative measurements without sample preparation. Results The GC–IMS provided detailed data on floral pVOCs in Narcissus with very short sampling times and without floral enclosure. A wide range of compounds was recorded and partially identified. The retrieved pVOC patterns showed a good agreement with published data, and five “chemotypes” were characterized as characteristic combinations of floral volatiles. Discussion The GC–IMS setup can be applied to rapidly generate large amounts of pVOC data with high sensitivity and selectivity. The preliminary data on Narcissus obtained here indicate both considerable pVOC variability and a good correspondence of the pVOC patterns with infrageneric classification, supporting the hypothesis that floral scent could represent a considerable phylogenetic signal.

Qualitative and Quantitative Estimation of Total Phenols in Narcissus tazettaL. Bulbs

“…Bujei, Narcissus confuses, and Narcissus tazetta. The chemical analysis of Narcissus tazetta is rich with biologically active components, among them cardioactive glycosides, different types of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, volatile oil, steroids, terpenoids, and anthraquinones [4,5]. All these components might give the plant a unique importance as an antifungal [6], antiviral [7], anticancer [8], antioxidant [9], in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders [10], immune-boosting agent [11], in cases of malaria disorders, and recently as acetylcholine esterase inhibitory effects to treat Alzheimer's conditions [12].…”