Volatile compounds of selected white and black myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) types from Mediterranean region of Turkey

Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) is a valuable plant for consumption in various fields such as culinary, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, therapeutical and industrial traits, and has become an important plant in the Meditarranean region of Turkey. The volatile compounds of 7 myrtle fruits including white (4 types) and black (3 types) were compared using headspace/solid phase micro extraction-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS/SPME-GC/MS) techniques. Fruits were collected from Tarsus district of Mersin province in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Thirty-one (31) compounds were detected and among the detected volatiles aldehydes, esters, alcohols, terpenes and other compounds were detected in various percentages in myrtle types. However, ester compounds were not detected in black myrtle types. Hexanal, alpha pinene, phenol and eucalyptol were detected both in white and black myrtle types in higher percentages.   Key words: Myrtle, Myrtus communis L., volatiles, headspace, solid phase micro extraction (SPME), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS).