Varijabilnost organskih isparljivih jedinjenja u šumskim drvenastim vrstama i njihov značaj za unapređenje ekosistemskih usluga

This research focuses on the analysis of interspecific and intraspecific differences in the chemical composition of conifer needles regarding volatile organic compounds content and their dependence on environmental conditions, including season and location type. The study examined the following species: Austrian pine (Pinus nigra Arnold), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), Serbian spruce (Picea omorika (Pančić) Purkyné), silver fir (Abies alba Mill.), and white fir (Abies concolor Lindl. et Gord.) growing in Tara National Park, Fruška gora National Park, and Futoški Park in Novi Sad. The content of the studied compounds in the needles of these species was monitored during spring, summer, and autumn. The goal of this methodological approach was to investigate the potential of these species for use in creating green spaces to enhance human health and well-being, and to determine if there is justification for further selective breeding to choose superior genotypes, or if significant differences exist in the volatile organic compound content among individuals of the same species. Additionally, the study examined the dependence of these compounds on location and season to contribute to the methodological development of practices using trees and forests to improve human health and well-being, focusing on selecting more suitable locations and/or seasons. The main aim of this research is to address existing limitations for further investigation into the causal relationship between forests and human health and well-being. A total of 63 volatile organic compounds were detected in samples from all studied species. Most of the detected compounds belong to the terpene group, specifically mono and sesquiterpenes. The dominant detected compounds in the examined species were α-pinene, camphene, β-pinene, and limonene. Statistical analyses indicate significant differences in the volatile organic compound content among the studied species, except between silver fir and white fir, where no significant difference was found. Additionally, results suggest differences in the composition and content of volatile organic compounds in individuals of the same species growing in natural versus urban environments. Cluster analysis primarily grouped the specimens by species and location, while PCA analysis revealed variability in the compounds among the examined individuals. Statistical analysis shows significant differences in the volatile organic compound content in specimens from urban versus natural environments. PerMANOVA testing did not detect significant differences in volatile organic compound content among the examined individuals in different types of environments, but PCA analysis indicates higher levels of these compounds in spring compared to summer and autumn. The results suggest that all examined individuals of the studied plant species have potential for use in various methods to improve human health and well-being, opening possibilities for further research on the positive effects of trees and forests. Based on the results, there is a clear need for further research to identify and propagate superior tree species and genotypes, aiming to create specialized green spaces that optimize research on using trees and forests for enhancing health, well-being, and quality of life.