Volatile organic compounds of jack bean leaves (Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC) and their potential use in the ecological management of pests

Abstract

Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC) is widely used as green manure and for the phytochemical control of agricultural pests. However, information on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by its leaves is still lacking, which could help to develop sustainable pest management strategies based on chemical ecology. This study aimed to determine the VOC profile of jack bean leaves and assess its potential for pest management applications. Leaf samples from greenhouse-grown plants were used for VOC extraction using solid-phase microextraction (SPME). VOCs were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The linear retention index was calculated using retention time values from both compounds extracted from samples and a homologous series of n-alkanes (C7 –C30), with additional confirmation with analytical standards when available. We identified a total of 46 compounds, with green leaf volatiles (GLVs) exhibiting the highest relative abundance. The detected GLVs included (Z)-3-hexenal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, (E,E)-2,4-hexadienal, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, 1-hexanol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, (E)-2-octenal, nonanal, (E,E)-2,6-nonadienal, (Z)-3-nonenol and 1-nonanol. We additionally identified terpenes such as isothujone, β-cyclocitral, γ-isogeraniol, cis-geraniol, pulegone, β-citral, β-cyclohomocitral, geranial, α-ionone, β-ionone, dihydroactinolide, α-bisabolol, and pythan. Several of these compounds have been previously associated with plant defense mechanisms against key agricultural pests. We discuss the potential application of the identified VOCs in pest management, particularly in agroecosystems where jack bean is used as green manure. © 2025, Federal University of Lavras. All rights reserved.