Exploring volatile aroma and non-volatile bioactive compounds diversity in wild populations of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid.)

Ninety-five rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid.) genotypes, representing 24 wild populations, collected in different geographical areas in Italy and then cultivated under homogeneous environmental conditions, were characterised for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and three main non-volatile phenolic diterpenes (carnosic acid, carnosol) and acids (rosmarinic acid).Cluster analysis of chemical data highlighted the occurrence of three main groups of populations: one with high levels of verbenone, alpha-pinene, bornyl acetate, carnosic acid and carnosol, a second one with relatively high levels of camphor and a third one with high levels of 1,8-cineole, beta-pinene and sesquiterpenes. This clustering was consistent with geographic origin and previous genetic characterisation of the same populations. Correlation analysis suggested that levels of the key antioxidant carnosic acid were associated to levels of the key aroma compound verbenone. The observed diversity may be exploited in breeding programs to develop lines and designing products with improved flavour quality and functional properties.

Automated summary

This study characterized 95 rosemary genotypes collected from different geographical areas in Italy and found three main groups of populations based on their chemical profiles. The clustering of populations was consistent with their geographic origin and previous genetic characterizations. Correlation analysis revealed a relationship between the levels of the antioxidant carnosic acid and the aroma compound verbenone. These findings have implications for breeding programs and the development of rosemary products with improved flavor quality and functional properties.