Dynamics of Isomeric and Enantiomeric Fractions of Pinene in Essential Oil of <i>Picea abies</i> Annual Needles during Growing Season

Abstract

Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) is one of the most important commercial tree species distributed naturally in the Boreal and subalpine forest zone of Europe. All parts of spruce trees, including needles, accumulate essential oils with a variety of chemical properties and ecological functions, such as modulating plant–insect communication. Annual needle samples from 15 trees (five from each of three habitats) of 15–17 years old were assayed for essential oils and their major compounds, including α-pinene, β-pinene, (1S)-(−)-α-pinene, and (1R)-(+)-α-pinene across a growing season. Results showed strong positive correlation between percentages of α- and β-pinene isomers (r = 0.69, p p p p p p Picea abies might be involved.

Keywords

• Norway spruce
• essential oil
• α-pinene
• β-pinene
• (−) and (+) enantiomers