Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS GC-MS) for identifying floral synomones from Impatiens maculata Wight. and Impatiens cordata Wight.: Two endemic balsams of the Southern Western Ghats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25081/cb.2026.v17.9905Keywords:
Synomones, Headspace Gas Chromatography, Impatiens, Volatiles, Floral visitorsAbstract
Headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS GC-MS), an analytical technique commonly used in environmental science, chemical ecology, and food science, identifies volatile chemicals emitted from solid or liquid samples. Despite its utility, HS-GC-MS is seldom applied in plant science. In the present study, HS-GC-MS was used to identify key floral synomones in two rare and endemic balsam species from the Mankulam forest range of the Munnar Hills in Kerala, a region within the Southwestern Ghats of India. Synomones are plant-released volatile compounds that attract beneficial insects. HS-GC-MS analysis of fresh flowers of Impatiens maculata revealed the presence of hexanal, 1-hexanol, heptanal, benzaldehyde, benzoic acid methyl ester, and (3E,7E)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene. In contrast, analysis of Impatiens cordata flowers revealed 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-butanediol, 2-heptanol, benzaldehyde, methyl salicylate, and tetradecane. Many of these volatiles mediate plant-environment interactions, particularly by attracting floral visitors, suggesting that cultivating these plants could enhance the natural balance of beneficial insects.
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