Larrea tridentata (creosote bush) is a desert shrub found in dry, arid regions in North America. It is a perennial with thick resinous leaves that contribute to its extraordinary tolerance to drought and extreme temperatures common in the desert. L. tridentata has been used in teas and oral tablets to cure renal and gynecologic diseases. Due to the lack of peer-reviewed research studies regarding L. tridentata, it became a plant of interest for USDA researchers at the Agricultural Research Service working in the Jornada Experimental Range near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Their goal is to determine the volatile composition of L. tridentata and its effects on wildlife grazing patterns in the Chihuahan Desert. L. tridentata field samples, including whole leaves and fruiting bodies, are being utilized to isolate and identify phytogenic volatile organic compounds using solid-phase microextraction retention indices, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. PVOCs identified thus far include limonene and camphor.

Identification of phytogenic volatile organic compounds in <i>Larrea tridentata</i> (creosote bush)

243rd National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

Identification of phytogenic volatile organic compounds in Larrea tridentata (creosote bush)