Differential Modulation of Maize Silage Odor: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum vs. Lactiplantibacillus buchneri Drive Volatile Compound Change via Strain-Specific Fermentation

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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are critical indicators of the metabolic status of whole-plant maize silage (WPMS). However, the impact of inoculating various strains of fermentation agents on VOC changes has not been systematically explored. This study aimed to determine how inoculation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus buchneri modulates the VOC profile and odor of WPMS after 90 days. VOCs were extracted by headspace solid-phase microextraction and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Key VOCs were screened using the variable importance in projection (VIP) and substantiated by relative odor activity values (rOAV) and odor descriptions. A total of 82 compounds were identified, including 22 esters, 19 alcohols, 3 acids, 9 aldehydes, 2 ethers, 6 hydrocarbons, 4 ketones, 10 phenols, and 8 terpenoids. L. plantarum enhanced green/fruity odors while strain L. buchneri significantly reduced undesirable phenolic and aldehydic compounds. Six key VOCs influencing the odor of WPMS were selected: 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol and benzaldehyde, which contribute smoky, bacon, and bitter almond aromas, and (E)-3-hexen-1-ol, benzyl alcohol, (E, E)-2,4-heptadienal and methyl salicylate, which impart green, fruity, and nutty aromas. These findings highlight the effects and contributions of various strain additives on VOCs in WPMS, providing new theoretical insights for regulating the flavor profile of WPMS.