Capillary gas chromatography of the terpene components of Picea abies K.

The terpene composition of cortical tissue in five Italian populations of Picea abies K. has been analyzed by headspace gas chromatography. The results of analysis of variance showed significant differences in content of most terpenes between the populations. Because intensive sampling is required for description of the natural variability of forest trees, the application of headspace gas chromatography may provide many opportunities in genetic research.