DISTRIBUTION AND DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF (E)-4,8-DIMETHYL-1,3,7-NONATRIENE IN LEAF AND FLORAL VOLATILES OF MAGNOLIA AND LIRIODENDRON TAXA

Analyses of volatiles emitted from artificially damaged leaves attache d to branches of seven Magnolia taxa revealed the presence of (Z)-3-he xenyl acetate, (Z)-3-hexenol (the green odor compounds), and several m ono-and sesquiterpenes, e.g., (Z)- and (E)-beta-ocimene and caryophyll ene. An herbivore-induced leaf volatile, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatr iene, known as a predator attractant in agricultural plants, was emitt ed 4-6 hr after leaves were damaged in M. hypoleuca. The damaged leave s of M. grandiflora, however, immediately released (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1, 3,7-nonatriene. Undamaged leaves of Magnolia species examined did not emit volatile compounds. In addition, detached flowers of six Magnolia taxa and Liriodendron tulipifera also emit (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-non atriene as a floral volatile (up to 30% in some species); the chemical was also emitted from the intact flowers of M. heptapeta and M. salic ifolia.