Abstract

The botanical garden of University of Talca (JBUTAL) is a green space open to the community of the Maule Region and is home to around 1,500 plant species. Among the plant species, the Chilean native species stand out, which fulfill important functions in the ecosystem. During visits to JBUTAL, mainly in the spring and summer seasons, a set of fragrances from the flora are perceived, as well as the visit of insects. In this ecosystem, there is little information about the relationship between the fragrances emitted by plant species and insects. In this research, f lower fragrance profiles from Quilo (Muehlenbeckia hastulata IM Johnst), Retamo (Retanilla ephedra (Vent.) Brongn), Pichi rosemary (Fabiana imbricata Ruiz & Pav.) and Tevo (Retanilla trinervia Gillies & Hook. (Hook. & Arn.) were explored by solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to understand their chemical composition and to relate them to floral visitors/pollinators. The results showed unique fragrance profiles with good source of volatile organic compounds, which are mainly composed of hydrocarbons, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, esters, alcohols, ethers, terpenes, among others. A total of 67 volatile compounds were identified, many of which correspond to recognized pollinator-attracting compounds. The results of this research show the relevance of introducing native flora into an urban landscape, not only providing scenic beauty but also attracting insect visitors/ pollinators (or other organisms) to the ecosystem. The results obtained in this research are unprecedented and valuable for the research group and the scientific community.