Volatiles released in succession from artificially damaged ashleaf maple leaves

Abstract

Leaves of the ashleaf maple seedlings (Acer negundo Linn.) were artificially damaged, and the blends of volatiles were detected with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. As we will show here, some compounds that had been detected in insect-infested plants are induced by artificial damage without insect oral secretion. Among them, two acyclic monoterpenes are emitted several hours after damage, and two cyclic monoterpenes reached their highest concentration within a day. Two diesters, dimethyl adipate and di-isobutyl succinate, were induced by the damage. However, the so-called C ₆ green leafy volatiles, except (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, were not detectable. A heterocyclic compound, benzothiazole, was induced in this species. After wounding, the volatiles were emitted in a time-dependent manner. The amount of induced volatiles collected in August was less than that in July due to seasonal difference, but the changing pattern of induced compounds did not differ significantly.