Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) emitted and accumulated by herbaceous and woody California crops

Emissions from vegetation may substantially influence regional air quality in California. However, the emission potentials of many important crop species have not been extensively studied, although they comprise extensive areas of landcover within this state. A better knowledge of the emission rate at the species-specific level is critical for reducing uncertainties in emission inventories and evaluating emission model performance. In the present study we identify and quantify BVOC produced (emitted and stored) by leaves of 22 dominant agricultural woody and herbaceous crops in California. Emissions were studied by means of a dynamic cuvette system where a whole plant (herbaceous species) or a branch (woody species) was enclosed. Emitted BVOC were collected by passing air from the cuvette enclosing the branch through a glass tube packed with carbon based adsorbents. The adsorbents were later liquid extracted and concentrated in the laboratory. BVOCs stored in the plant tissues were extracted with an organic solvent, after plant grinding. Both BVOC emitted and BVOC stored were identified and quantified using the same GC-MS equipment. Most identified leaf emissions and stored compounds were terpenoids, but BVOC from other biosynthetic classes (benzenoids and fatty acid derivates)were not negligible. The relationship between different BVOC classes and between emitted and stored terpenoids will be presented. Differences between herbaceous and woody crops, and a variety of foliar secretory structures (e.g. secretory cavities, secretory ducts, glandular trichomes, and glands), will be evaluated in terms of BVOC content and emissions to the atmosphere.