The effects of methyl jasmonate on volatile compounds and activity of aroma-related enzymes in tobacco

Flue-cured tobacco, a member of the Solanaceae family, is widely utilized as a model organism in both fundamental and applied scientific research. This study set out to evaluate the influence of the exogenous agent methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the aroma profile of tobacco by applying various MeJA concentrations (0 μmol/L, 30 μmol/L, 60 μmol/L, 90 μmol/L and 120 μmol/L) to the leaves 48 h prior to harvest. Assessments included an analysis of volatile compounds, sensory evaluations, and enzymatic activity fluctuations, followed by cluster and correlational analyses. The results showed that under 90 μmol/L MeJA treatment, the relative content of benzyl alcohol, which was phenylpropane aroma substance, increased by 79.48