Varietal and pre-fermentative volatiles during ripening of Vitis vinifera cv Nebbiolo berries from three growing areas

Residue behavior and efficacy of benzothiazole in grains under different fumigation conditions

BACKGROUND

Benzothiazole is a potential grain fumigant for Tribolium castaneum. However, its safety profile and suitable fumigation conditions remain unknown. We therefore investigated the insecticidal efficacy, accumulation and dissipation of benzothiazole in grains (wheat, corn and rice) under different temperatures.

RESULTS

We established a universal detection method (modified QuEChERS coupled with GC-MS/MS) of benzothiazole residues in three grains, which provided high linearity (R2  > 0.999), sensitivity (limits of detection = 0.001 mg/kg, limits of quantification = 0.002-0.005 mg/kg), accuracy (recoveries = 88.18-118.75%) and precision (relative standard deviations < 4.78%). The insecticidal efficacy order of benzothiazole was 30 ≥ 10 > 20 °C and corn > wheat > rice. Temperature positively affected the accumulation/dissipation rate of benzothiazole. Rice was the most easily accumulated and dissipated grain for benzothiazole residues, while corn accumulated benzothiazole more than wheat but less than rice, with dissipation slower than wheat and rice.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide important references for the application of benzothiazole and other fumigants. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Grapevine genome analysis demonstrates the role of gene copy number variation in the formation of monoterpenes

Volatile organic compounds such as terpenes influence the quality parameters of grapevine through their contribution to the flavour and aroma profile of berries. Biosynthesis of volatile organic compounds in grapevine is relatively complex and controlled by multiple genes, the majority of which are unknown or uncharacterised. To identify the genomic regions that associate with modulation of these compounds in grapevine berries, volatile metabolic data generated via GC-MS from a grapevine mapping population was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Several significant QTLs were associated with terpenes, and candidate genes were proposed for sesquiterpene and monoterpene biosynthesis. For monoterpenes, loci on chromosomes 12 and 13 were shown to be associated with geraniol and cyclic monoterpene accumulation, respectively. The locus on chromosome 12 was shown to contain a geraniol synthase gene (VvGer), while the locus on chromosome 13 contained an α-terpineol synthase gene (VvTer). Molecular and genomic investigation of VvGer and VvTer revealed that these genes were found in tandemly duplicated clusters, displaying high levels of hemizygosity. Gene copy number analysis further showed that not only did VvTer and VvGer copy numbers vary within the mapping population, but also across recently sequenced Vitis cultivars. Significantly, VvTer copy number correlated with both VvTer gene expression and cyclic monoterpene accumulation in the mapping population. A hypothesis for a hyper-functional VvTer allele linked to increased gene copy number in the mapping population is presented and can potentially lead to selection of cultivars with modulated terpene profiles. The study highlights the impact of VvTPS gene duplication and copy number variation on terpene accumulation in grapevine.

Effects of vine top shading on the accumulation of C6/C9 compounds in 'Cabernet Sauvignon' (Vitis vinifera L.) grape berries in northwestern China

BACKGROUND

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is an arid and semi-arid region with low rainfall and strong sunlight; thus, grape berries in this region accumulate sugar content rapidly, and the ripening process is shorter than that in other regions. Although previous studies illustrated that altered sunlight conditions could influence the aroma profiles of grape berries, less attention has been paid to the effect of vine top shading on volatile compounds under a dry-hot climate.

RESULT

We focused on the effects of vine top shading on the concentrations of linolenic and linoleic acids, as well as their metabolites, the C6/C9 compounds, in grape berries. Four vine top shading treatments at veraison (ripening onset) and post-veraison (skin full coloration) were performed by reducing solar exposure to the grapevines by 20% and 50% respectively. Apart from (E)-2-hexenal in the 20% shading treatment of 2016, (E)-2-hexenal were not promoted by the 50% shading and 20% shading treatments during veraison to harvest in both of the vintages. By contrast, the influence of vine top shading from post-veraison till harvest was different between the two vintages; these C6 compounds were decreased in both of the shading treatments in 2016, whereas most of them were promoted in 2017, possibly related to daily sunshine hours in this period. In addition, the C9 compound nonanal with very low concentration exhibits a significant difference among various treatments by two-factor analysis of variance. As for linolenic acid and linoleic acid, two types of C6 compound biosynthetic precursors, four shading treatments all reduced their concentration, except for linolenic acid in the 50% shading treatment of 2016. Moreover, it appeared to have no apparent correlation between the variations of two precursors and their volatile metabolites, indicating that there is a complex impact of vine shading on C6 compound biosynthesis.

CONCLUSION

Vine top shading at veraison can reduce the accumulation of some C6 compounds in grape berries, but no consistent consequence was attained for the vine shading at pre-veraison. The findings indicate the significance of grapevine solar exposure management at veraison in controlling the level of C6 compounds in a dry-hot region like Xinjiang. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Berry Anthocyanin, Acid, and Volatile Trait Analyses in a Grapevine-Interspecific F2 Population Using an Integrated GBS and rhAmpSeq Genetic Map

Increased map density and transferability of markers are essential for the genetic analysis of fruit quality and stress tolerance in interspecific grapevine populations. We used 1449 GBS and 2000 rhAmpSeq markers to develop a dense map for an interspecific F₂ population (VRS-F₂) that was derived by selfing a single F₁ from a Vitis riparia x ‘Seyval blanc’ cross. The resultant map contained 2519 markers spanning 1131.3 cM and was highly collinear with the Vitis vinifera ‘PN40024’ genome. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for berry skin color and flower type were used to validate the map. Four rhAmpSeq transferable markers were identified that can be used in pairs (one pistillate and one hermaphroditic) to predict pistillate and hermaphrodite flower type with ≥99.7% accuracy. Total and individual anthocyanin diglucoside QTL mapped to chromosome 9 near a 5-O-GLUCOSYLTRANSFERASE candidate gene. Malic acid QTL were observed on chromosome 1 and 6 with two MALATE DEHYRDROGENASE CYTOPLASMIC 1 and ALUMINUM-ACTIVATED MALATE TRANSPORTER 2-LIKE (ALMT) candidate genes, respectively. Modeling malic acid identified a potential QTL on chromosome 8 with peak position in proximity of another ALMT. A first-ever reported QTL for the grassy smelling volatile (E)-2-hexenal was found on chromosome 2 with a PHOSPHOLIPID HYDROPEROXIDE GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE candidate gene near peak markers.

The amoebicidal activity of three substances derived from benzothiazole on Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts and trophozoites and its cytotoxic potentials

Acanthamoeba species are free-living amoebae isolated from many ecological areas such as swimming pools, dams, lakes, soil, and air filters. These amoebae are usually causing granulomatous amebic encephalitis and amebic keratitis in immunosuppressive individuals. In this study, the reproductive potential and morphological changes determined of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoite and cyst forms exposed to three different active substances derived from benzothiazole. Furthermore, the cytotoxic potential of these active substances determined by XTT analysis. In the study, axenic cultures prepared for Acanthamoeba castellanii cyst and trophozoite forms and parasite exposed to different concentrations of active substances. Cell counts of parasite cultures were performed at the 30 minutes, 1^st, 6^th, 12^th, 24^th, and 48^th hour periods. As a result of the study, the reproductive potential suppressive effects of all three substances on Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts were determined. The most effective of these substances was 2-Amino-6(trifluoromethoxy)-benzothiazole. In the first three concentrations of this substance (0.1%, 0.05%, 0.025%), no determined trophozoite and cysts at the end of twenty four. Due to its strong ameobicidal effect, it is thought that 2-Amino-6(trifluoromethoxy)-benzothiazole may be a new therapeutic agent in diseases caused by acanthamoeba parasites by supporting this study with animal experiments.

Effects of benzothiazole on survival for reduced reproduction and development in Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

BACKGROUND

The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is an important stored-product pest that is distributed worldwide and has developed resistance to many insecticides. Identifying novel and effective alternative insecticides is important for the control of T. castaneum. The volatile compound benzothiazole has been identified as having great acute toxic activity against T. castaneum. However, a comprehensive evaluation of a new insecticide should include both direct toxic effects and sublethal effects. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effects of benzothiazole on the development and reproduction of T. castaneum.

RESULTS

Exposure of fourth-instar larvae to lethal and sublethal concentrations of benzothiazole (LC₁₀ , LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ ) significantly decreased pupation rates, food intake and growth rates in T. castaneum. Larval duration was significantly reduced by approximately 1 day in the LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ treatment groups. The LC₅₀ benzothiazole caused a significant decrease in the weight of pupae and adults, fecundity and egg hatchability. Increased and decreased nutrient (carbohydrate and lipid) contents were observed in surviving larvae and pupae, respectively. The LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ treatments caused the down-regulation of five growth-positive regulated genes (PI3K, AKT, CyclinE, S6K1 and S6K2) and the up-regulation of two growth-negative regulated genes (4EBP and FOXO).

CONCLUSION

Benzothiazole presented adverse effects on the development and reproduction of T. castaneum, further supporting benzothiazole as a highly active compound in stored-product protection. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Aromatic Characterization of New White Wine Varieties Made from Monastrell Grapes Grown in South-Eastern Spain

The aromatic profile of a wine is one of the main characteristics appreciated by consumers. Due to climate change, vineyards need to adapt to new conditions, and one of the strategies that might be followed is to develop new white varieties from Monastrell and other cultivars by means of intervarietal crosses, since white varieties are a minority in south-eastern Spain. Such crosses have already been obtained and have been seen to provide quality white wines of high acidity and with a good aromatic composition. To confirm this, a quantitative analysis was carried out during two vintages (2018 and 2019) in order to study and compare the volatile composition of Verdejo (V) wine with the aromatic composition of several wines made from different crosses between Cabernet Sauvignon (C), Syrah (S), Tempranillo (T), and Verdejo (V) with Monastrell (M), by means of headspace SPME-GC-MS analysis. Wine volatile compounds (alcohols, volatile acids, ethyl esters, terpenes, norisoprenoids, and two other compounds belonging to a miscellaneous group) were identified and quantified using a HS-SPME-GS-MS methodology. An additional sensory analysis was carried out by a qualified tasting panel in order to characterize the different wines. The results highlighted how the crosses MT103, MC69, and MC180 showed significant differences from and better quality than the Verdejo wine. These crosses produced higher concentrations of several aromatic families analyzed, which was supported by the views of the tasting panel, thus confirming their excellent aromatic potential as cultivars for producing grapes well adapted to this area for making white wines.

Comparison of Transcriptome Profiles of the Fungus Botrytis cinerea and Insect Pest Bradysia odoriphaga in Response to Benzothiazole

Benzothiazole (BT) has a strong inhibitory effect on the growth and development of a wide spectrum of fungi and insects, such as Botrytis cinerea and Bradysia odoriphaga, that cause serious losses in agriculture. To investigate the underlying antifungal and insecticidal mechanisms of BT, RNA-seq analysis was performed for B. cinerea after BT treatment for 12, 24, and 48 h and for B. odoriphaga after BT treatment for 6 and 24 h. In B. cinerea, the pectin degradation process was inhibited, suggesting a low utilization of carbohydrate sources. As the treatment time was extended, the cell walls of B. cinerea thickened, and increases in melanin synthesis and ion transport were observed. In B. odoriphaga, signaling pathways including MAPK, insulin, adipocytokine, forkhead box class O, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor were activated at 6 h, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was the core gene in the signal transduction pathways that responded to BT; digestive system and melanogenesis genes were obviously altered at 24 h. In addition, we identified several insecticidal target genes, such as trypsin, aminopeptidase N, and tyrosinase. Benzothiazole significantly affected nutrient metabolism, especially carbohydrate metabolism, in both species, and the pentose and glucuronate interconversions pathway was shared by both species, although the individual genes were different in each species. Overall, our results suggested that BT was a melanogenesis disrupter for the insect but an activator for the fungus. Our findings are helpful for deeply exploring the genes targeted by BT and for developing new pesticide compounds with unique mechanisms of action.

Amoebicidal activity of benzothiazole on Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts and trophozoites and its cytotoxic potentials

Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoebae isolated from many ecological areas such as swimming pools, dams and lakes, and soil. Granulomatous amebic encephalitis and amebic keratitis, caused by Acanthamoeba spp., usually occurs in chronically ill, debilitated individuals, in immunosuppressed patients and treatment is quite difficult. This study aimed to determine the effect of benzothiazole on trophozoite and cyst forms of Acanthamoeba castellanii (A.castellanii). Axenic cultures of A. castellanii trophozoites and cysts were prepared to test the amoebicidal activity of benzothiazole. The concentrations of benzothiazole in 24-well plates were prepared as 0.08%, 0.04%, 0.02%, 0.01%, 0.005%, and A. castellanii cysts and trophozoites were added to these cultures. Parasites were counted at 0, ½, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h in the cell counter after staining with trypan blue. Cytotoxicity of benzothiazole on the WI-38 human fibroblast cell line was also tested. Between 0.08% and 0.01% concentrations of benzothiazole showed a strong amoebicidal activity at 24 and 48 h. A significant decrease in 0.005% concentration in the number of live trophozoites and cysts was detected between 6 and 48 h. As a result of the cytotoxicity studies, benzothiazole did not show any cytotoxic effect on the WI-38 human fibroblast cell line even at 1% concentration. Benzothiazole could be concluded as a new therapeutic agent against Acanthamoeba. On the other hand, in vivo studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of the biological effect.

An Approach of the Madeira Wine Chemistry

Madeira wine is a fortified Portuguese wine, which has a crucial impact on the Madeira Island economy. The particular properties of Madeira wine result from the unique and specific winemaking and ageing processes that promote the occurrence of chemical reactions among acids, sugars, alcohols, and polyphenols, which are important to the extraordinary quality of the wine. These chemical reactions contribute to the appearance of novel compounds and/or the transformation of others, consequently promoting changes in qualitative and quantitative volatile and non-volatile composition. The current review comprises an overview of Madeira wines related to volatile (e.g., terpenes, norisoprenoids, alcohols, esters, fatty acids) and non-volatile composition (e.g., polyphenols, organic acids, amino acids, biogenic amines, and metals). Moreover, types of aroma compounds, the contribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the overall Madeira wine aroma, the change of their content during the ageing process, as well as the establishment of the potential ageing markers will also be reviewed. The viability of several analytical methods (e.g., gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-ToFMS)) combined with chemometrics tools (e.g., partial least squares regression (PLS-R), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was investigated to establish potential ageing markers to guarantee the Madeira wine authenticity. Acetals, furanic compounds, and lactones are the chemical families most commonly related with the ageing process.

The Actual and Potential Aroma of Winemaking Grapes

This review intends to rationalize the knowledge related to the aroma of grapes and to the aroma of wine with specific origin in molecules formed in grapes. The actual flavor of grapes is formed by the few free aroma molecules already found in the pulp and in the skin, plus by those aroma molecules quickly formed by enzymatic/catalytic reactions. The review covers key aroma components of aromatic grapes, raisins and raisinized grapes, and the aroma components responsible from green and vegetal notes. This knowledge is used to explain the flavor properties of neutral grapes. The aroma potential of grape is the consequence of five different systems/pools of specific aroma precursors that during fermentation and/or aging, release wine varietal aroma. In total, 27 relevant wine aroma compounds can be considered that proceed from grape specific precursors. Some of them are immediately formed during fermentation, while some others require long aging time to accumulate. Precursors are glycosides, glutathionyl and cysteinyl conjugates, and other non-volatile molecules.

Organic Acids and Polyphenols Determination in Polish Wines by Ultrasound-Assisted Solvent Extraction of Porous Membrane-Packed Liquid Samples

In the near future, Poland is going to have more and more favorable conditions for viticulture. Organic acids and polyphenols are among the most commonly analyzed compounds due to their beneficial properties for human health and their importance in the winemaking process. In this work, a new technique involving ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction of porous membrane-packed liquid samples (UASE-PMLS) was for the first time described and applied for real samples. The methodology based on UASE-PMLS for organic acids and polyphenols in wine samples was optimized and validated. Using the new technique coupled to GC–MS, organic acids and polyphenols were evaluated in Polish wine samples. Extraction solvent, extraction temperature, derivatization time and sample pH were optimized. Chemometric tools were used for data treatment. Good linearity was obtained for the concentration ranges evaluated with r values between 0.9852 and 0.9993. All parameters of method validation (intra- and inter-day precision and matrix effect) were over 80% with coefficient of variation (CV) up to 17%. Recovery was between (92.0 ± 8.5)% and (113 ± 16)%. Finally, green assessment was evaluated using Analytical Eco-Scale and Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI). The UASE-PMLS is characterized by many advantages, e.g., the extraction process is fast and easy coupled to GC–MS. Regarding other extraction techniques, the amount of used solvent is minimum, and no waste is generated. Therefore, it is an environmentally friendly technique.

The Effects of Erzincan Grape (Vitis vinifera spp., Cimin) and Benzothiazol on a Caenorhabditis elegans Organism Model

Background:

Grapes and their products are known to have been used for the treatment of diseases throughout history.

Objective:

It was aimed to investigate the effects of Erzincan Cimin grapes on an organism model of Caenorhabditis elegans N2 wild type and C. elegans BS913 strains with gonad cancer.

Materials and Methods:

The effects of methanol extracts of the skin and seeds of Erzincan Cimin grapes were examined separately on C. elegans N2 wild type and an effect was determined on lifespan. By applying GS-MS analysis, a potential agent substance was determined in the skin and seed methanol extracts. This substance was purchased and the effects of this substance were investigated on lifespan and fertility in C. elegans BS913 strains with gonad cancer. In addition, the effects on young subjects exposed to this agent substance in L1 form were investigated.

Results:

Grape seed and skin methanol extract was observed to prolong the lifespan most at a dose of 10 mg/100 mL. Lifespan was determined to be at a maximum in a gonad cancer organism model with benzothiazol at a dose of 50 ppm. At the same dose, positive effects were determined on the fertility of strains with cancer. When the effects of benzothiazol were examined on young L1 forms, an evident retardation of growth was determined at doses of 10, 50, and 100 ppm.

Conclusion:

Owing to anti-carcinogenic effects of benzothiazol and benzothiazol-derived substances, they can be considered as agent substances in academic studies related to cancer.

SUMMARY

The effects of methanol extracts of the skin and seeds of Erzincan Cimin grapes were examined on C. elegans N2 wild type and an effect was determined on lifespan

Through GS-MS analysis, benzothiazol was determined in the skin methanol extracts

Benzothiazol was purchased and the effects of this substance were investigated on lifespan and fertility in C. elegans BS913 strains with gonad cancer

The effects on young subjects exposed to benzothiazol in L1 form

Grape seed, skin methanol extract, and benzothiazol was observed to prolong the lifespan

Positive effects were determined on the fertility of gonad cancer strains.

Abbreviations used: GC-MS: gas chromatography and mass spectrometry; C. elegans: Caenorhabditis elegans; NGM: Nematode growth medium; E. coli: Escherichia coli; FUDR: Fluorodeoxyuridine; LDL: Low-density lipoprotein.

Application of a stir bar sorptive extraction method for the determination of volatile compounds in different grape varieties

BACKGROUND

Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) has been employed for the analysis of aroma compounds directly from Spanish and Italian grape extracts. The extraction conditions have been optimized using a statistical approach, obtaining results that improve the current state of the art.

RESULTS

The proposed analytical conditions were: sample volume 40 mL, extraction time 80 min, 25% (w/v) NaCl and stirring speed 750 rpm using 20 mm × 0.5 mm stir bars. Performance characteristics of the SBSE procedure were further studied and showed correlation coefficients, detection and quantification limits, linear ranges, recoveries and precision values adequate for analysing these compounds in grapes. Twenty-four grape varieties (aromatic and non-aromatic) were analysed. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) according to geographical origin were found, being derived mainly from the terpenoid content. By principal component analysis it was possible to note that the terpenoids were more effective in the separation of the non-aromatic samples, showing negative and positive scores for Italian and Spanish grapes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

For non-aromatic grape varieties, the factor 'geographic location' was the most significant, thus corroborating the high influence of this parameter on the volatile composition of grapes and therefore on the genuineness of wines. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Understanding the Constitutive and Induced Biosynthesis of Mono- and Sesquiterpenes in Grapes (Vitis vinifera): A Key to Unlocking the Biochemical Secrets of Unique Grape Aroma Profiles

The present review integrates current knowledge on mono- and sesquiterpenes in grapes with a special focus on biochemical and physiological aspects. Recent research has impressively shown the prominence of terpenoid metabolism in grapevine (Vitis sp). The 69 putatively functional mono- and sesquiterpene synthases that were identified by the analysis of the updated 12-fold sequencing and assembly of the grapevine genome deliver the scaffolds for structural diversity and display a surprising expansion of the terpene synthase (TPS) gene family in grapevine when compared to other plants like Arabidopsis thaliana (32 TPS). While monoterpenes occur as highly functionalized compounds and are stored as their corresponding glycoconjugates in berry tissues, sesquiterpenes are mainly present as unsaturated hydrocarbons and accumulate in the epicuticular wax layer of intact berries. Interestingly, both groups of terpenes appear to be involved as volatile organic compounds in plant defense and their biosynthesis is enhanced via the jasmonic acid signaling pathway. These novel aspects will help to understand how environmental cues affect the genes and enzymes of various metabolic pathways of relevant wine aroma compounds with numerous links to enology and wine flavor chemistry.

Development of stir-bar sorptive extraction-thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the analysis of musks in vegetables and amended soils

The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive and environment-friendly method based on stir-bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) followed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) to determine 8 synthetic musks (musk ambrette, musk ketone, celestolide, tonalide, galaxolide, phantolide, traseolide, and cashmeran) in vegetables (lettuce, carrot, and pepper) and amended soil samples. In a first step sorptive extraction was studied both in the headspace (HSSE) and in the immerse mode (SBSE). The best results were obtained in the immersion mode which was further studied. The influence of the main factors: methanol (20%) and NaCl addition (0%), extraction temperature (40°C) and time (180 min), extraction solvent volume (9 mL) and stirring rate (600 rpm) on the efficiency of SBSE was evaluated by means of experimental designs. In the case of TD, desorption time (10 min), desorption temperature (300°C), cryo-focusing temperature (-30°C), vent flow (75 mL/min) and vent pressure (7.2 psi) were studied using both a fractioned factorial design and a central composite design (CCD). The method was validated in terms of apparent recoveries (AR%), method detection limits (MDLs) and precision at two different concentration levels. Although quantification using instrumental calibration rendered odd results in most of the cases, satisfactory recoveries (74-126%) were obtained in the case of matrix-matched calibration approach for all of the analytes and matrices studied at the two concentration levels evaluated. MDLs in the range of 0.01-0.8 ng/g and 0.01-1.1 ng/g were obtained for vegetables and amended soil samples, respectively. RSD values within 1-23% were obtained for all the analytes and matrices. Finally, the method was applied to the determination of musks in vegetable and amended soil samples.

Microextraction techniques for the determination of volatile and semivolatile organic compounds from plants: a review

Vegetables and fruits are necessary for human health, and traditional Chinese medicine that uses plant materials can cure diseases. Thus, understanding the composition of plant matrix has gained increased attention in recent years. Since plant matrix is very complex, the extraction, separation and quantitation of these chemicals are challenging. In this review we focus on the microextraction techniques used in the determination of volatile and semivolatile organic compounds (such as esters, alcohols, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, ketones, terpenes, sesquiterpene, phenols, acids, plant secondary metabolites and pesticides) from plants (e.g., fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, tree leaves, etc.). These microextraction techniques include: solid phase microextraction (SPME), stir-bar sorptive extraction (SBSE), single drop microextraction (SDME), hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction (HF-LPME), dispersive liquid liquid microextraction (DLLME), and gas purge microsyringe extraction (GP-MSE). We have taken into consideration papers published from 2008 to the end of January 2013, and provided critical and interpretative review on these techniques, and formulated future trends in microextraction for the determination of volatile and semivolatile compounds from plants.