GC-MS analysis of volatile components in several early apple cultivars

The aromatic components of 3 early apple cultivars (Zaofengtian, Vista Bella and Liaofu) were examined by HS-SPME and analyzed by GC-MS. Results showed that 136 aromatic components, belonging to 12 categories in these 3 cultivars were identified. The main aromatic components were 1-hexanol, (E)-2-hexenal, acetic acid,butyl ester, acetic acid,hexyl ester, etc., representing 93.81% of the total aromatic content. β-damascenone and estragole in Zaofengtian weren't detected in Vista Bella or Liaofu, which could be unique components to Zaofengtian. According to the different categories and relative contents of aromatic components, Zaofengtian could be classified as an ester-type apple and Vista Bella as alcohol-type. There were differences in both aromatic components and relative contents among early apple cultivars, so aroma was one of the important criteria in evaluation of early apples in apple breeding.