Light-Dependent Monoterpene Emissions from an Oak Species Native to Asia

Abstract

This is the first report of light-dependent monoterpene emissions from an oak species native to Asia. Isoprenoids emitted by Quercus phillyraeoides were measured using branch enclosure methods. Sabinene, and α- and β-pinenes were the major compounds accounting for more than 90% of the total monoterpene emissions. The basal emission rates of total monoterpenes on leaf area and leaf dry weight bases ranged from 0.07 to 6.30 nmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and from 0.22 to 14.3 μg g⁻¹ h⁻¹, respectively. A proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry measurement revealed that the emissions depend significantly on light intensity and leaf temperature. Q. phillyraeoides may be taxonomically close to European monoterpene-emitting oaks because it is morphologically close to the oaks native to the Mediterranean area, and because the geographical features of their habitats are similar to each other.