Seasonal variation of the terpenes of the leaves, buds, and twigs of balsam fir (Abies balsamea)

Abstract

The variation in the percentages of the volatile terpenes of the leaves, buds, and twigs of balsam fir from Saskatchewan was determined during the course of 2 years. Very little variation was found in mature leaves and twigs throughout the year and also in the buds during winter. Major changes were recorded in the percentages of the main terpenes of the buds 4–6 weeks before bud burst, the newly formed buds in midsummer, and somewhat smaller ones in those of the new leaves from first measurements to midsummer. Except in the newly formed twigs, the twig oil composition varied little through the year, but it was subject to differences outside of the experimental error from one sample to another. The chemosystematic implications are discussed briefly.