Volatile components produced during ontogeny of some cultivated crucifers

Changes in the volatile chemicals produced on autolysis were monitored during the development of cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, fodder rape and radish. Compounds were identified from gas‐liquid chromatography retention times, and mass spectrometry, seven of the mass spectrographs not having previously been recorded. Of the 23 compounds identified overall, 19 were extracted from seeds which, whether aged or freshly harvested, contained the maximum concentration of volatiles encountered. A rapid decrease in the concentrations of volatile hydrolysis products occurred during the first 4 weeks of development. Thereafter a steady increase and change in compounds was recorded, usually related to biologically significant events. The enzymic production of these volatile chemicals is discussed with respect to the action of thioglucosidase and epithiospecifier protein.