Characterization of Odor-Active Compounds of Ichang Lemon (Citrus wilsonii Tan.) and Identification of Its Genetic Interspecific Origin by DNA Genotyping

Ichang lemon is a citrus fruit whose rind gives off a delicious and much appreciated fragrance and flavor. The volatile components of the fruit peel of Ichang lemon were investigated by GC-MS and GC-O (AEDA method). Simultaneously, its genetic origin was identified by using diagnostic SNP markers specific to ancestral species and multiallelic SSR and InDel markers. Ichang lemon combines three ancestral genomes (Citrus maxima, Citrus ichangensis, and Citrus reticulata) and may be a pummelo x Yuzu hybrid. Although the major compounds of the Ichang lemon aromatic profile were present in Citrus junos, a few pummelo-specific compounds were also detected, such as indole and nootkatone, in agreement with its maternal lineage. 3-Methyl-3-sulfanylbutyl acetate, reported to occur in passion fruit and brewed coffee, was identified by GC-MS, GC-QTOF-MS, and GC-FTIR for the first time in citrus. This odor-active compound has a sulfurous, tropical fruity, green note.