Abstract

A static headspace method of sampling coupled to a conventional instrumental analytical probe, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS), has been applied to examine the volatile fraction above leaf tissue from Palicourea marcgravii, a toxic Brazilian plant that causes sudden death in livestock, and two other surrogate species (Lippia alba and Plectranthus spp.).

The unusual total ion chromatogram obtained for the plant of interest is discussed and explained by considering the “dynamic” nature of the static headspace when intact cellular biomass is present and frozen leaves are analyzed concerning the presence and production of methyl salicylate (MeSA), which is this plants main toxin.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.