Seasonal differences in isoprene and light-dependent monoterpene emission by Amazonian tree species

The seasonal variations of the first Amazononian species (Hymenea courbaril) known to emit monoterpenes in a light and temperature dependent fashion were investigated. Large variations were found as a function of the development stage. While young leaves were predominantly isoprene emitters, old leaves were monoterpene emitters. It was concluded that in these kind of plants two different algorithms need to be used as a function of the leaf age.