VOC profiling of apple germplasm by PTR-ToF-MS

This work aimed at profiling apple VOC content through a broad investigation of germplasm collection (188 apple varieties). Apple VOCs were assessed by headspace analysis of cut samples by using PTR-ToF-MS. Multivariate statistical analysis of data obtained by the PTR-ToF-MS showed the possibility to robustly cluster apple varieties based on their VOC profile. The complete dataset of VOCs may give important explanatory information for future breeding programs based on flavour profile; moreover, some characteristics of the analysis, mainly the rapidity and repeatability of measurement and the absence of chemical extraction, made the PTR-ToF-MS an ideal tool for massive screening of breeding material