Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
HORTICULTURAE, cilt.12, sa.5, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Myrtus communis L. (common myrtle) is an economically valuable Mediterranean shrub with diverse applications in food, pharmaceutical, and ornamental sectors. However, the biochemical diversity of myrtle genotypes from Mediterranean environments remains insufficiently characterized, particularly regarding the relationship between primary and secondary metabolism and stress adaptation. This study investigated the biochemical and aroma profiles of six myrtle genotypes selected from natural populations in Antalya, Turkey, to identify chemotypic diversity and elucidate metabolic diversity observed in Mediterranean genotypes. Volatile compounds were analyzed using HS-SPME/GC-MS, while sugars and organic acids were quantified by HPLC. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, hierarchical clustering) were employed to evaluate metabolic relationships and genotype classification. Descriptive analysis suggested three potential chemotypic patterns: (i) 1,8-cineole-type (G34, G36) with G29 showing a transitional profile, (ii) alpha-Pinene-type (G15, G37), and (iii) Ester-aldehyde type (G9). These groupings are based on single volatile measurements and should be considered preliminary patterns pending validation through replicate analyses. Significant genotypic variation was observed for primary metabolites (sugars and organic acids) (p < 0.001, eta(2) > 0.90), as evaluated by ANOVA with triplicate biological replicates. Volatile compound differences were evaluated as descriptive exploratory patterns only. Hierarchical clustering revealed three metabolic strategies: balanced metabolism integrating diverse volatile and primary metabolite profiles (Cluster 1: G9, G15, G37), terpene-rich volatile defense with enhanced organic acid metabolism (Cluster 2: G29, G36), and specialized 1,8-cineole-dominant biosynthesis (Cluster 3: G34). These findings highlight substantial metabolic diversity and provide a basis for germplasm evaluation and selection and potential applications.