Untargeted metabolites profiling of volatile components of Chinese Antique Lotus (<i>Nelumbo nucifera</i> Gaertn.) using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) GC/MS

Floral scent is a crucial characteristic that significantly influences reproductive processes and indicates the ornamental value of many plants. Antique Lotus (<i>Nelumbo)</i>, an important ornamental germplasm, has high archaeological and cultural value in China. Although many studies have examined this plant, the floral fragrance characteristics remain unexplored. This study analyzed floral volatile profiles in three floral organs from six Antique Lotus. A combination of dynamic headspace collections and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses revealed a total of 64 volatile components, comprising 38 terpenoids, two benzenoids/phenylpropanoids, and 24 fatty acid derivatives. The stamens were found to contain the greatest number of volatile compounds, while petals exhibit the highest content. Fatty acid derivatives were the primary volatile substances in petals, while stamens and receptacles were dominated by benzenoids/phenylpropanoids. These findings not only lay a foundation for aroma breeding but also provide a theoretical basis for the resource development of Antique Lotus.