Analysis and Identification of Floral Scent Volatiles in Cymbidium eburneum

Abstract The floral fragrance of Cymbidium eburneum Lindl.represents a critical ornamental characteristic, yet the temporal variations, organ-specific emission patterns, and developmental changes in its volatile composition remain poorly understood.This study used HS-SPME-GC-MS to analyze diurnal fluctuations in floral volatile compounds of Cymbidium eburneum, examining variation patterns among floral organs and across developmental stages.The study found that the relative total content of floral fragrance volatile compounds declined progressively over the course of a day, with light intensity and temperature strongly affecting the composition of major chemical constituents. In Cymbidium eburneum, the labellum emitted 99.4183% of the total volatiles, confirming its role as the dominant scent-producing organ. The bud stage showed the highest relative total content among the four developmental phases. Seven key volatile compounds—5-Ethylcyclopent-1-ene-1-carbaldehyde, (E)-2-Octenal, Hexanoic acid, and others—exhibited a consistent reduction in relative content during flowering.This study advances the theoretical framework for analyzing floral fragrance composition in Cymbidium species and offers a foundation for breeding novel fragrant orchid cultivars.