Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a technique for detecting Huanglongbing (HLB) infection in a citrus plant. This technique involves first gathering one or more samples of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emanating from the citrus plant. Next, a system measures VOCs in the gathered samples to determine a VOC profile for the citrus plant, wherein the VOC profile comprises measured values for a set of VOCs that comprise disease-specific biomarkers for HLB infection. Finally, the system determines an HLB infection status for the citrus plant by analyzing the VOC profile.

Abstract: A method for the in-instrument recombination of volatiles using a gas chromatograph with mass spectrometry and olfactometry detection is described. Compounds that are introduced into the modified GC are separated conventionally on an analytical capillary GC column. The elution profile of volatiles can be segmented, analyzed and arbitrarily combined. In-line with the GC column, a pneumatic flow switch and splitter are connected to a detector and olfactometer. A cold trap allows the user to build a mixture of separated volatiles that is held until the cryotrap is rapidly heated, releasing the mixture for a subject to smell at the olfactory port and to evaluate. The instrument allows for characterization of the aroma quality of specific fractions of aroma volatiles obtained from foods, flowers or beverages without the need for pure chemical standards or the calculation of individual compound concentrations or sensory thresholds.