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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #104640
Title: PLANT VOLATILES

Author
item Vaughn, Steven

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Life Sciences
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/24/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Plant volatile compounds have tremendous aesthetic, commercial, and ecological importance. These volatiles are responsible for the characteristic odors associated with flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices, and flavorings. Plant volatiles have tremendous ecological importance as pollination attractants, as aids in seed dispersal, and in plant defense against insects and pathogens. Many plant volatiles are utilized as perfumes, colognes, and in other cosmetics. Certain plant volatiles have therapeutic value and are beginning to be explored as to their effect on human health, mood, and behavior.