Metabolomic Profile of Citrus limon Leaves (‘Verna’ Variety) by 1H-NMR and Multivariate Analysis Technique

Abstract

The elaboration and definition of “metabolic fingerprints” can subsidize both the identification and determination of plant varieties, as well as the increase in knowledge about the responses and adaptations of plants to external and/or internal factors. The lemon tree (Citrus limon Burm.) is one of the most important crops in the Spanish southeast and is often consumed around the world. Although the study and characterization of its fruits are common due to its economic interest, its leaves are limited to specific functionalized studies related to the objective of the work (extraction of essential oils, stabilizing agent, aromatic extracts, etc.). So, this study aimed to identify the primary and secondary metabolites of Citrus limon Burm. (‘Verna’ variety) leaf samples cultivated under different conditions (three rootstocks and three culture media). In total, 19 metabolites were identified for all samples, of which 9 were amino acids, 5 organic acids, 3 sugars and 2 intermediate metabolites. The results pointed to a limited influence, both of the substrate and of the crop rootstock, on the metabolomic differentiation of lemon leaves. Knowledge and foliar metabolomic differentiation can offer important information that supports the application of crop foliar treatments but also helps in the management of diseases and pests.