A Conventional VOC-PID Sensor for a Rapid Discrimination among Aromatic Plant Varieties: Classification Models Fitted to a Rosemary Case-Study

This study explores the use of a photoionization detector (PID) to distinguish varieties rosemary plant, based on their volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The aim was be able plant using simple, quick, and inexpensive method. Two were studied, Rosmarinus officinalis L. “Prostratus” “Erectus”. First, PID used detect VOCs emitted by leaves from each variety, subsequently essential oil extracted same leaves. Then, well-established GC-MS method characterize differentiate two varieties. capture different signals, ‘fingerprint’ for obtained. To validate performance, data set obtained analyzed means advanced statistical models (principal component analysis, cluster support vector machine artificial neural network) which discriminate with high accuracy (over 80%). Therefore, results confirm that differences in VOC In conclusion, proved an interesting instrument classification plants, this sense could applied other aromatic plants.