Diversity of volatile organic compounds in 14 rose cultivars

This study illustrates the importance of multivariate analysis in profiling the levels of 104 volatiles across 14 modern rose cultivars obtained using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Despite differences in the abundance of volatiles, the cultivars 'Lady Emma Hamilton', 'Golden Celebration' and 'The Poet's Wife' share similar profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the absence of phenethyl alcohol, which is usually associated with a characteristic 'rose' fragrance. R. 'Hansa' is the cultivar with the greatest abundance of volatiles, with high levels of acyclic monoterpenes and aromatic compounds. No monoterpenes were detected from the climbing rose R. 'August Gervais'. The study revealed that highly fragrant cultivars tend to produce VOCs in higher intensity and greater diversity. These findings also demonstrate the potential of using headspace analysis to compare the natural aromas of rose cultivars, which provides information to inspire innovation in the perfumery and food industries.