Production of volatile compounds by hairy root cultures of Cichorium intybus L under the influence of fungal elicitors and their analysis using solid-phase micro extraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Hairy root cultures of Cichorium intybus L produced volatile aromatic compounds under the influence of fungal elicitors. It was observed that the intensity of the production of volatile aromatic compounds in the hairy root cultures of C intybus with 10 ml 1(-1) media filtrate (MF) of Phytopthora parasitica var nicotiana reached a maximum on the 21st day, as seen by a quantitative flavour profiling method. It was noted that, during the time course, treatment with 10ml 1(-1) MF of P parasitica to the MS basal liquid medium containing hairy root cultures of chicory resulted in changed root morphology with cell wall thickening and shear. The components of the volatile aromatic compounds were identified as a propyl isovalerate, undecanal, nonanol, isoamyl nonanoate and 2-decene-1-ol. The mass spectra of all these compounds matched well with the NIST/EPA/NIH library and by comparing with the Kovats index of volatile compounds. The major fruity note was due to the presence of two of the major volatile components, namely propyl isovalerate and isoamyl nonanoate, which were also produced at higher concentration on day 21. This response of chicory hairy root cultures to the fungal elicitor producing volatile aromatic compounds would imply eco-physiological functions, possibly for plant defence system. (C) 2003 Society of Chemical Industry