Qualitative assessment of an ultra-fast portable gas chromatograph (zNose™) for analyzing volatile organic chemicals and essential oils in laboratory and greenhouses

Qualitative performance of a portable gas chromatograph (zNose™) was assessed by comparing retention indices of major constituents of an essential oil-based insect repellent, and by comparing retention index of limonene, a major chemical in volatile blends of tomato plants, in the laboratory, a research greenhouse and a commercial greenhouse. Effects of temperature and relative humidity on the performance of the device were also assessed. In all experiments, the zNose™ produced consistent results comparable to that of a conventional GC–MS. Our results concur with previous studies confirming the zNose™ as a suitable device for analyzing plant volatiles in the field and for monitoring their rapid changes.