Analysis of Spatial-Temporal Variation in Floral Volatiles Emitted from Lagerstroemia caudata by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction and GC–MS

Lagerstroemia caudata is a rare aromatic species native to southeastern China, but its floral scent properties and release dynamics remain unclear. This study is the first systematic analysis of spatial-temporal variation in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from L. caudata by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-two VOCs were identified, 20 of which were detected for the first time. Aldehydes, alcohols, and monoterpenoids were the main VOC categories, each with different releasing rhythms. Total emission of VOCs was much higher in the full-blooming stage (140.90 ng g(−1)min(−1)) than in the pre-blooming (36.54 ng g(−1)min(−1)) or over-blooming (24.92 ng g(−1)min(−1)). Monoterpenoids, especially nerol, geraniol, and linalool, were the characteristic VOCs for full-blooming flowers. Daily emissions of nine compounds (nerol, geraniol, linalool, citronellol, β-citral, (E)-citral, phenylethyl alcohol, 2-heptanol, 2-nonanol) correlated closely with the opening of L. caudata, presenting an apparent diurnal pattern of scent emission. Tissue-specific emission was found in most isolated floral parts. Stamen was the most significant source of floral VOCs, considering its high emission levels of total VOC (627.96 ng g(−1)min(−1)). Our results extend the information on floral VOCs of Lagerstroemia and provide a theoretical basis for breeding new cultivars with desirable floral scents.