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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

A Customizable Approach for the Enzymatic Production and Purification of Diterpenoid Natural Products
Published on: October 4, 2019
Unveiling the Fragrant Secrets of Dendrobium devonianum: Terpenoid Pathways and Floral Scent Dynamics
Shichao Wang1,2, Shu He1,2, Congjun Yuan3
1Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of In-Forest Resources, Kunming 650224, China.
Background/Objectives:
The orchid Dendrobium devonianum Paxt., valued for its ornamental and medicinal properties, is widely used in horticulture, medicine, and food industries.
Methods:
This study investigated dynamic changes in aroma-active volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and associated gene expression in D. devonianum flowers across four developmental stages (bud, half bloom, full bloom, and aging) using headspace solid-phase microextraction, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and transcriptome analysis.
Results:
Floral VOCs, particularly volatile terpenoids and esters, were most abundant at full bloom. Among the 664 VOCs identified, α-hemelene, β-bisabolene, δ-naphthalene, perillyl alcohol, L-perillyl alcohol, terpinen-4-ol, 2-(4-methylphenyl)propan-2-ol, cis-3-hexenyl butyrate, and α-pinene were likely to contribute to floral scent. Terpene biosynthesis pathways played a pivotal role in floral fragrance formation. A comprehensive terpenoid biosynthesis pathway for D. devonianum floral scent was proposed, and eight genes encoding key regulatory enzymes were identified.
Conclusions:
These results provide new insights into terpenoid metabolism in Dendrobium and may guide future research on the utilization of floral scent.
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