ARS | Publication request: Identification of Volatile Compounds in Soybean at Various Developmental Stages Using Solid Phase Microextraction

Submitted to: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: April 1, 2003
Publication Date: June 1, 2003
Citation: Boue, S.M., Shih, B.Y., Carter Wientjes, C.H., Cleveland, T.E. 2003. Identification of volatile compounds in soybean at various developmental stages using solid phase microextraction. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 51:4873-4876.

Interpretive Summary: Soybean seed volatiles (gases) were identified using a novel method called solid phase microextraction (SPME). Thirty-three volatile compounds already reported for soybean were recovered and an additional twenty compounds not previously reported were identified or tentatively identified. The SPME method was utilized to compare the volatile profile of soybean seed at three distinct stages of development. Most of the newly reported compounds in soybean seed were chemicals known as aldehydes and ketones. Characteristic volatile compounds were observed during each developmental stage. A significant decrease in volatile compounds was observed in seeds that were stored for one year. These results indicate that the soybean volatile compounds can be used to accurately determine maturity stages and assist the farmer in assessing seed quality. This ability would eliminate current problems with assessing seed quality and maturity and would benefit soybean growers.

Technical Abstract: Soybean seed volatiles were analyzed using a solid phase microextraction (SPME) method combined with GC-MS. Thirty-three volatile compounds already reported for soybean were recovered and an additional twenty compounds not previously reported were identified or tentatively identified. The SPME method was utilized to compare the volatile profile of soybean seed at three distinct stages of development. Most of the newly reported compounds in soybean seed were aldehydes and ketones. During early periods of development at maturity stage R6, several volatiles were present at high concentrations, including 3-hexanone, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, 1-hexanol, and 3-octanone. At maturity stage R7 and R8, decreased amounts of 3-hexanone, (E)-2-hexenal, 1-hexanol, and 3-octanone were observed. At maturity stage R8, hexanal, (E)-2-hexanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and (E)-2-octenal were detected at high concentrations. A significant decrease in volatile compounds was observed in seeds that were stored for one year.