IVAS 2022 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 IVAS 9 IVAS 2022 9 Phytochemical composition of Artemisia absinthium L.

Phytochemical composition of Artemisia absinthium L.

Abstract

Absinthe is historically described as a distilled, highly alcoholic beverage. It is an anise-flavoured spirit derived from botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium L. (“grand wormwood”), together with green anise, sweet fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs.This study contributes to the process of domestication of Artemisia absinthium L. by going deeper into the understanding of its floral biology and its phenological, morphological and chemical variability. Ten wormwood accessions were described and compared, particularly to help in the selection of populations that are interesting for distillation and adapted to the Val-de-Travers’s soil and climate conditions. Phenological observations were focused on blooming stages (C0-C7), especially on stage C5 which is the harvest stage. Morphological observations were focused on relevant agronomic features that help distinguish the various accessions to facilitate the selection process.
The chemical composition of those ten wormwood accessions is discussed through several angles of approach. The evaluation of the rate in essential oil was made by steam distillation and quantification of the oil layer with the aim of observing the variations of the accessions within the framework of description and the selection process. The concentration of thujone was determined by the GC-¬MS method and by the TLC method. An organoleptic analysis has established the profile of each accession based on ten descriptors. The results achieved reflect an important phenological, morphological and chemical variability inside and between the accession.
The rate in essential oil ranges from 0.35% to 1.06%, and the variability of their colour lead to think that their chemical composition is very different. The results of the analysis on the concentration of thujone show great variability, and it is difficult to draw conclusions about the role of the genome and of the soil and climate factors in its production.
The phenological observations show big differences in the conditions for vernalisation needed for the flower initiation. They allow also to highlight a difference in the precocity of the accessions that bloomed. Finally, the experiment on the floral biology of wormwood. showed that its principal breeding system is cross-¬fertilization. This present study aimed at taking part in the domestication process of Artemisia absinthium L., and in the selection of an ecotype adapted to the conditions of the Val-de-Travers with the view to revalue its local production.

DOI:

Publication date: June 24, 2022

Issue: IVAS 2022

Type: Poster

Authors

Bach Benoit1, Cleroux Marilyn1, Chappuis Charles1, Rebenaque Pierrick1, Deneulin Pascale1, Berthet Annabelle2, Vermeulen Hendrick2 and Delabays Nicolas2

1Changins, Viticulture and Oenology
2HEPIA, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland

Contact the author

Keywords

Artemisia absinthium; Thujone; essential oils; GC-MS; TLC

Tags

IVAS 2022 | IVES Conference Series

Citation

Related articles…

Chenin Blanc Old Vine character: evaluating a typicality concept by data mining experts’ reviews and producers’ tasting notes

Concepts such as typicality are difficult to demonstrate using the limited set of samples that can be subjected to sensory evaluation. This is due both to the complexity of the concept and to the limitations of traditional sensory evaluation (number of samples per session, panel fatigue, the need for multiple sessions and methods, etc.). On the other hand, there is a large amount of data already available, accumulated through many years of consistent evaluation. These data are held in repositories (such as Platter’s Wine Guide in the case of South Africa Wine, wineonaplatter.com) and in technical notes provided by the producers.

Discriminant value of soil properties for terroir zoning

Environmental analysis (climate, vegetation, geomorfoloy-lanscape, lithology and soil) and its integration in a quality index taking the Appellation of Origin as the sole universe are used as general methodology for terroir zoning in Spain (Sotés and Gómez-Miguel, 1986-2005). This methodology is also applied to specific aspects of different Spanish Appellations of Origin (size, distribution and landscape peculiarities and vine occupation index).

Unveiling the bioactive potential of aglianco grape pomace: oleanolic acid as a promising natural product

The winemaking industry generates a substantial amount of byproducts, including grape pomace, which is often discarded as waste. However, this seemingly useless material holds a wealth of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. Recognizing the value of circular economy principles, this study delves into the comprehensive chemical analysis of aglianco grape pomace, aiming to transform this byproduct into a valuable resource.

Analysis of voltammetric fingerprints of different white grape musts reveals genotype-related oxidation patterns

Must oxidation is a complex process involving multiple enzymatic transformations, including the oxidation of phenolics containing an ortho-diphenol function. The latter process has a primary influence on wine aroma characteristics and stability, due to the central role of ortho-diphenols in the non-enzymatic oxidative reactions taking place during winemaking and in finished wine. Although oxidation of must is traditionally avoided, in recent years its contribution to wine quality has been revisited, and in some cases improvements to wine aroma have been observed with the application of controlled must oxidation. Nowadays there is a great interest in the wine industry towards the identification of specific markers or patterns to characterize and classify the response of grape must to oxidation.

Functional characterisation of genetic elements regulating bunch morphology in grapevine

Vitis vinifera L., is considered one of the world’s most important cultivated fruit crops. In agriculture, bunch morphology is a grapevine-specific trait, which directly impacts fruit quality and health.
Bunch size, shape, and compactness are major aspects of bunch morphology, with the degree of compactness emerging as an important trait for grapevine genetic enhancement and vineyard management. The importance of this trait stems from its impact on disease susceptibility, berry ripening, and other grape quality properties. However, current knowledge of the genes controlling it remains limited.