Composition Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds in Different Tree Species and Their Chemical Ecological Functions

Authors

  • Ye Hu Bamboo & Forest Institute of Science, Technology and Industrial Innovation, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Mabian Dafengding Bamboo Forest Ecosystem Provincial Observation and Research Station, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Innovative, Development of Bamboo Fiber Nutrition, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Bamboo Resource Conservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Leshan 614000, China https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8103-9107
  • Yuzi Pang Bamboo & Forest Institute of Science, Technology and Industrial Innovation, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; School of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7618-5295
  • Shiji Jiaba Bamboo & Forest Institute of Science, Technology and Industrial Innovation, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; School of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2583-8642
  • Chunxia Peng Bamboo & Forest Institute of Science, Technology and Industrial Innovation, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; School of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7521-6872
  • Xiang Nong Bamboo & Forest Institute of Science, Technology and Industrial Innovation, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Mabian Dafengding Bamboo Forest Ecosystem Provincial Observation and Research Station, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Innovative, Development of Bamboo Fiber Nutrition, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Bamboo Resource Conservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Leshan 614000, China https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1662-8137
  • Xuan Liu School of Economics and Management, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2383-3198
  • Jian Li Laojunshan National Nature Reserve Conservation Center, Yibin 644000, China https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9874-6832
  • Hao Yang Laojunshan National Nature Reserve Conservation Center, Yibin 644000, China https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5431-4977
  • Wei Liu Bamboo & Forest Institute of Science, Technology and Industrial Innovation, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Mabian Dafengding Bamboo Forest Ecosystem Provincial Observation and Research Station, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Innovative, Development of Bamboo Fiber Nutrition, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Bamboo Resource Conservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Leshan 614000, China https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5218-1558
  • Xinyu Wei Bamboo & Forest Institute of Science, Technology and Industrial Innovation, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Mabian Dafengding Bamboo Forest Ecosystem Provincial Observation and Research Station, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Innovative, Development of Bamboo Fiber Nutrition, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Bamboo Resource Conservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Leshan 614000, China https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1254-6623
  • Jie Xiao Bamboo & Forest Institute of Science, Technology and Industrial Innovation, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Mabian Dafengding Bamboo Forest Ecosystem Provincial Observation and Research Station, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Innovative, Development of Bamboo Fiber Nutrition, Leshan Normal University, Leshan 614000, China; Bamboo Resource Conservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Leshan 614000, China https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0803-8693

Keywords:

Volatile organic compound, Heartwood, GC‒MS analysis

Abstract

Ancient trees represent a significant ecological niche, constituting a vital habitat for a variety of species. Moreover, they serve as a cultural heritage and are worthy of preservation. The systematic analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the wood of 11 species of ancient trees in Sichuan Province was performed using headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results revealed significant compositional variations were demonstrated across different species of ancient trees. This finding indicates species-specific chemical defense mechanisms that have evolved in response to environmental adaptation. For instance, Magnolia sargentiana exhibited a preference for terpene-based preservation, whereas Acer grosseri demonstrated a preference for lipid-derived aldehydes. Terpenoids, which are the dominant constituents (e.g., α-cedrene and β-cedrene in Magnolia sargentiana and hexanal in Acer grosseri), demonstrate antimicrobial, insect-repellent and ecological signaling functions. These findings contribute to the advancement of knowledge regarding the role of VOCs in woods in ecological interactions and lay the foundation for the development of natural antimicrobial, flavorant, and medicinal products.

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Published

2026-04-15

How to Cite

Hu, Y., Pang, Y., Jiaba, S., Peng, C., Nong, X., Liu, X., … Xiao, J. (2026). Composition Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds in Different Tree Species and Their Chemical Ecological Functions. BioResources, 21(2), 4780–4791. Retrieved from https://ojs.bioresources.com/index.php/BRJ/article/view/25717

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Research Article or Brief Communication