Sustaining floriculture and floral fragrance in a changing climate

Abstract

Flower scent is a composite character that is determined by a complex mixture of low-molecular-weight volatile molecules. The studies on floral fragrance focused on its chemical elucidation, coupled with chemical synthesis to produce the large quantities demanded by the perfume and food industries. This study investigates the concept that ecological niche models can identify potential areas where floral fragrance correlates with climatic conditions. By employing fragrance-based ecological niche models, the study maps the distribution of two fragrant flower species, viz., jasmine and tuberose, in India. The study also helped us in understanding how specific environmental factors may influence the distribution of fragrant flowers, thus indicating how climate change would impact the distribution of two floral crops with desired levels of fragrance. The findings have implications for expanding sustainable floriculture in India in the face of climate change, ecological conservation, and understanding plant-environment interactions.