Study of the emission of volatile organic compounds by in vitro culture of Myrtus communis

Myrtus communis clones were selected in different Italian sites and tissue cultures were established and grown in growth chamber. Culture volatile emission and microcuttings isoprenoid content were analysed at both proliferation and rooting stages. Volatile compounds emitted by in vitro cultures were identified and quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Isoprenoid compounds were determined by gas chromatography. The volatile organic compound found at the highest concentration in culture headspace was alpha-pinene (60-80%), followed by isoprene (10-20%). Monoterpene alpha-pinene recorded also the highest concentration in tissues. Differences among clones were also found as related to 1-8 cineol (eucalyptol) concentration