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Article

Evaluation of Aromatic Characteristics and Potential Applications of Hemerocallis L. Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process

by
Yiming Zhou
1,
Wei Yang
1,
Siyi Zhu
1,
Jianan Wei
1,
Xiaoli Zhou
1,
Minglong Wang
1,* and
Hongxiu Lu
2,*
1
School of Perfume and Aroma Technology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
2
Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Shanghai 201699, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2712; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112712
Submission received: 1 April 2024 / Revised: 2 June 2024 / Accepted: 4 June 2024 / Published: 6 June 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Volatile Compounds: Detection, Analysis and Applications)
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Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Hemerocallis L. possesses abundant germplasm resources and holds significant value in terms of ornamental, edible, and medicinal aspects. However, the quality characteristics vary significantly depending on different varieties. Selection of a high-quality variety with a characteristic aroma can increase the economic value of Hemerocallis flowers. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is an effective decision-making method for comparing and evaluating multiple characteristic dimensions. By applying AHP, the aromatic character of 60 varieties of Hemerocallis flowers were analyzed and evaluated in the present study. Headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was employed to identify volatile components in Hemerocallis flowers. Thirteen volatile components were found to contribute to the aroma of Hemerocallis flowers, which helps in assessing their potential applications in essential oil, aromatherapy, and medical treatment. These components include 2-phenylethanol, geraniol, linalool, nonanal, decanal, (E)-β-ocimene, α-farnesene, indole, nerolidol, 3-furanmethanol, 3-carene, benzaldehyde and benzenemethanol. The varieties with better aromatic potential can be selected from a large amount of data using an AHP model. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the aroma components in Hemerocallis flowers, offers guidance for breeding, and enhances the economic value of Hemerocallis flowers.

1. Introduction

Hemerocallis L. is an important germplasm resource, with more than 83,000 modern cultivars all over the world [1]. Some varieties are not only edible and medicinal [2,3,4], but also consumed as a resource in perfumes, cosmetics, and essential oils. Recently, Hemerocallis flowers have been primarily studied for their ornamental characteristics rather than their aroma quality [5]. However, the aromatic volatiles of Hemerocallis flowers also enhance the aesthetic value of ornamental plants [6,7,8,9]. The selection of high-quality aromatic plants relies on various indicators. Important indicators for evaluating the plant germplasm resources include the composition of volatile organic compounds, as well as biological properties, economic value, and resistance to biological and abiotic stress [10]. To maximize the industrial value of plants, high-quality varieties with distinctive aromas were selected from a large number of varieties with purpose. Hemerocallis flowers have been reported to be rich in nerolidol, linalool, 2-phenylethanol, and 3-furanmethanol [11]. However, the species and content of volatile components vary significantly among different varieties. Additionally, the same volatile components may contribute differently to the aroma characteristics in different varieties [12]. Breeding excellent varieties from Hemerocallis flowers is challenging due to the complexity of aroma components. Currently, the research on the classification of hemerocallis flowers based on complex aroma components is limited, and there is a lack of investigation into their aromas in breeding. By constructing a multi-dimensional aroma evaluation index system, the aroma characteristics can be described more comprehensively and accurately, and the reliability and effectiveness of the research can be improved. Therefore, this study employs such a system to classify Hemerocallis flowers and select outstanding varieties.
Various analysis models are used for variety breeding under the influence of multiple variables. Among them, the most common one is principal component analysis (PCA), which serves as a multivariate tool to detect correlations between all the breeding lines and VOCs [13]. In addition, grey relational analysis [14] and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation [15] are also utilized to assess the overall quality of varieties based on their traits, aiming to select specific varieties. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is one of the most widely used multicriteria decision-making methods [16], as it can determine the most interesting types according to certain criteria. The principle of the AHP is to determine causal factors, arrange and prioritize these factors hierarchically, ensure consistency, and assign priority weights [17]. The AHP model has been applied to make complex multi-objective decisions in ecology and agroforestry, such as identifying potential ecotourism sites, determining community plant types, and designing green land [18,19,20,21]. Similar issues arise in the assessment of aromatic properties of plants. In a typical study, through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), three major criteria, including adaptability related, ornamental feature-related, and growth habit-related criteria, and eighteen sub-criteria were proposed and constructed. The model was validated on fifteen herbaceous peony cultivars from different latitudes. It could provide a reference for the introduction, breeding, and application of perennials under ever-changing unfavorable climatic conditions [22]. The AHP model screening is more objective and comprehensive compared to screening based solely on volatile components.
At present, few studies have focused on evaluating the aroma of Hemerocallis flowers’ germplasm resources. Jiao et al. used HS-SPME-GC-MS to identify the floral fragrance of 46 Hemerocallis varieties (7 species, 1 variety, and 38 cultivated varieties) [23]. Zhou et al. used HS-SPME-GC-MS to assess the aroma of Hemerocallis, and compared the major aromatic components among 10 different varieties [11]. These studies focused on the analysis of volatile components but did not investigate their role in variety selection. In these studies, the aroma components of selected varieties of Hemerocallis flowers were analyzed. However, the selection of the number of Hemerocallis flowers was limited, and the aroma evaluation of different varieties of Hemerocallis flowers was not combined with the actual application of resources. In addition, traditional breeding goals focus on flower type and color, ignoring flower aroma. The objective of this study was to evaluate 60 scented Hemerocallis varieties in accordance with the criteria for detecting functional volatile components. The objective was to use the mathematical analysis method to screen out superior varieties as resources for essential oils, aromatherapy, and ornamentals in healthcare. A group of standards has been constructed to assess the aromas of Hemerocallis flowers in order to guide future germplasm screening, breeding, and the generation of innovative categories. The establishment of this model can target-screen the optimal varieties. By measuring aroma instead of extracting and analyzing the essential oils, this approach can also shorten the duration of the experiment, allowing for quicker and more precise screening using fewer flowers.

2. Results

2.1. Determination of Volatile Compounds

A total of 114 volatile compounds, mostly alcohols, alkenes, and esters, were identified from flowers of 60 different species of Hemerocallis flowers. By categorizing the volatile compounds, an analysis was conducted on the total quantity and content of these compounds, resulting in the determination of their respective proportions in different varieties of Hemerocallis flowers. Volatile molecules, including nerolidol, linalool, 2-phenylethanol, nonan-1-ol, and 3-furanmethanol contributed to a large percentage of the alcohol compounds. (E)-β-ocimene, α-farnesene, and (+)-α-pinene were the most significant fractions of the alkene compounds. Phenylacetonitrile was the main component in the nitrogen-containing chemicals. These compounds may contribute to the essential components of Hemerocallis flowers (Figure 1).

2.2. Analysis of Major Floral Aromatic Components

The odor active value (OAV) refers to the ratio of absolute or mass concentration (ρ) of aroma components in an aroma system to its aroma or sensory threshold (T) [24]. By calculating the OAV and referring to the aroma descriptions, 33 important compounds with an OAV greater than 1 were selected out of 114 volatile components. In order to develop an AHP model to evaluate its potential applications in essential oils, aromatherapy, and healthcare, we screened out most of the volatile substances common to 60 species of Hemerocallis flowers. To develop an AHP model for evaluating potential applications of essential oils, aromatherapy, and healthcare, most of the volatile compounds common to 60 species of Hemerocallis flowers were excluded.
After analyzing the concentration and OAV thermograms of 33 volatile components, it was determined that 13 of these volatile components are present in most varieties. These 13 compounds (OAV) are as follows: 2-phenylethanol (75–2555), geraniol (63.63–1427), linalool (8.33–9191.67), nonanal (45.45–5918.18), indole (5.45–1827.27), 3-furanmethanol (22.22–1031), (E)-β-ocimene (1.76–1772.94), benzenemethanol (31.42–1225.45), 3-carene (10.39–789.61), decanal (13.33–376.67), α-farnesene (1.02–167.94), nerolidol (3.28–156.08), and benzaldehyde (1.06–92.50) (Figure 2). These components exhibit s strong aroma, as indicated by their high OAVs. They are the main aromatic substances of most Hemerocallis flower varieties.

2.3. Weighted Scores and Resource Evaluation

The weight (Wi) values are shown in Table 1 and Table 2; the matrices are satisfactorily consistent. And the λmax value implies that the matrices are satisfactorily consistent.
The ranking weight of each element in the scheme hierarchy was calculated as follows: ranking weight of each element in the scheme hierarchy relative to the criteria hierarchy × ranking weight of each element in the corresponding criteria hierarchy relative to the decision-making hierarchy. Combined with the actual score for each element in the scheme hierarchy for each selected variety, the Wi value of each element in the scheme hierarchy relative to the decision-making hierarchy was calculated (Figure 3). The best variety was then identified by substituting the volatile components of each Hemerocallis flower into the computation.
Table 1. Criteria hierarchy–scheme hierarchy judgment matrix for the evaluation of floral fragrance application evaluation.
Table 1. Criteria hierarchy–scheme hierarchy judgment matrix for the evaluation of floral fragrance application evaluation.
Floral Fragrance Application EvaluationC1C2C3C4C5C6C7C8C9C10C11C12C13Wi
X1C1122----------0.5000λmax: 3
Proportion of consistency: 0
C20.511----------0.2500
C30.511----------0.2500
X2C2-10.3333120.333331-----0.1131λmax: 7.7206
Proportion of consistency: 0.0883
C3-310.230.253-----0.1526
C4-1515155-----0.2698
C5-0.50.33330.210.166710.3333-----0.0425
C6-3516154-----0.2959
C7-0.33330.20.210.210.3333-----0.0400
C8-10.33330.230.2531-----0.0861
X3C9--------115330.3228λmax: 5.2837
Proportion of consistency: 0.0633
C10--------115350.3495
C11--------0.20.210.210.0591
C12--------0.33330.33335150.2002
C13--------0.33330.210.210.0684
X1: the evaluation of essential oil resources (B1); X2: the evaluation of aromatherapy resources (B2); X3: the evaluation of ornamentals as healthcare resources (B3); C1–C13: the elements in the scheme hierarchy as shown in Figure 4.
Table 2. Decision-making hierarchy–criteria hierarchy judgment matrix for the evaluation of floral fragrance application evaluation.
Table 2. Decision-making hierarchy–criteria hierarchy judgment matrix for the evaluation of floral fragrance application evaluation.
Floral Fragrance Application EvaluationX1X2X3Wi
X1X11130.4286
X21130.4286
X30.33330.333310.1429
λmax: 3; proportion of consistency: 0
X2X110.333330.2605
X23150.6333
X30.33330.210.1062
λmax: 3.0387; proportion of consistency: 0.0372
X3X1110.33330.2000
X2110.33330.2000
X33310.6000
λmax: 3; proportion of consistency: 0
X1: the evaluation of essential oil resources (B1); X2: the evaluation of aromatherapy resources (B2); X3: the evaluation of ornamentals as healthcare resources (B3).
After computing the weighted scores, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the potential value of 60 Hemerocallis flower cultivars as resources for essential oils, aromatherapy, and healthcare.

3. Discussion

An AHP model was established based on 13 significant aroma compounds found in the study and these 13 volatile components are present in most varieties. Most alcohols have a sweet aroma. Nerolidol found in high concentrations in “H25” and “H39”, has a sweet fruity flavor with a tinge of woody flavor [25]. 2-phenylethanol has a rose flavor, it was detected in high concentrations in most varieties (“H1”, “H3”, etc.) [26]. The flavor of α-farnesene, which is present in “H19” at high concentration, is fruity and floral [27]. Numerous compounds contribute to the flavor of Hemerocallis flowers. The concentrations and thresholds of these compounds vary for the corresponding odor activity values (OAVs). The OAV refers to the ratio of absolute or mass concentration (ρ) of an aroma component in an aroma system to its aroma or sensory threshold (T) [24]. The OAV was applied to properly assess the contribution of each compound to the overall scent of Hemerocallis flowers.
Geraniol, benzenemethanol, 3-furanmethanol, 3-carene, nonanal, and decanal despite their lower concentrations, have higher OAVs because of their thresholds. And among most varieties, geraniol has the highest OAV in “H50” and has a fruity fragrance [28]. Benzenemethanol has the highest OAV in “H2”, “H14”, and “H55” and has a rose flavor [29]. 3-furanmethanol also has a sweet aroma and has the highest OAV in “H38” and “H52” [30]. 3-carene has a fruity aroma and has the most significant OAV in “H20” [31]. Nonanal and decanal have fruity and floral flavors that contribute to the aroma of Hemerocallis flowers in most varieties [32]; uniquely, there are both high concentrations and a high OAVs of nonanal and decanal in “H38”. The concentration of linalool is highest in “H24”; however, due to its threshold, the OAV is higher in most varieties (“H12”, “H13”, etc.); it has a fruity fragrance [33]. Benzaldehyde contributes a woody flavor to Hemerocallis flowers, particularly in “H19” where it is present in high concentrations and high OAVs [34]. (E)-β-ocimene has a grassy taste and floral aroma and is commonly found in high concentrations and with a high OAV value in most varieties (“H1”, “H2”, etc.) [35]. The flavor of indole is floral; it is found in high concentrations and high OAVs in “H3”, “H7”, “H18”, “H21”, “H42”, “H53”, and “H56” [36].
The 11 varieties “H2”, “H3”, “H14”, “H19”, “H24”, “H25”, “H38”, “H39”, “H50”, “H52”, and “H55” can be used as the best varieties for aromatherapy as well as essential oil extraction among the 60 varieties. On the other hand, this shows that essential oils are appropriate for aromatherapy. Healthcare resources can use “H13”, “H19”, “H20”, and “H38”.
To better research the perfume of Hemerocallis, the flowers of the 13 varieties “H2”, “H3”, “H13”, “H14”, “H19”, “H20”, “H24”, “H25”, “H38”, “H39”, “H50”, “H52”, and “H55” can be selected for further research.
This study focuses on the role of aroma components in breeding Hemerocallis. Previous related studies have solely concentrated on the analysis of aromatic components. In Zhou’s study [11], the aroma components of the 10 Hemerocallis flower varieties with the largest number of plants and the strongest flavor were analyzed, and the research results were the key odor substances that revealed the aromatic differences of the 10 Hemerocallis flower varieties. Jiao and colleagues [23] analyzed the aroma components of 46 kinds of Hemerocallis flowers. A total of 37 volatile compounds were identified, including 30 terpenoids, five benzenoids, and two nitrogenous compounds. Terpenoids are the main volatile components that affect the fragrance of Hemerocallis flowers. In these studies, the selection of Hemerocallis flower varieties was limited, and the aroma evaluation of different varieties of Hemerocallis flower was not combined with the practical application of resources.
In this study, Hemerocallis flower varieties with complex fragrance were selected and analyzed. A wide range of Hemerocallis flower varieties was chosen and the significant aromas of different Hemerocallis flower varieties were evaluated by combining various application resources. The AHP and the multi-index evaluation system were established to quantify the aroma characteristics of these varieties. This evaluation system has potential application value, as it can be used for decision making and improvement in perfume and flower breeding. This will provide a reliable basis for decision making in related fields and promote the development and application of follow-up research.

4. Materials and Methods

4.1. Plant Materials

In total, 60 species of Hemerocallis flowers with strong fragrance were screened from several hundred samples (Figure 5). Sixty distinct varieties of Hemerocallis flowers with distinct petals were planted in the experimental garden of the Shanghai Institute of Technology (30°500 N, 121°300 E, 6.67 m above sea level) under identical growing conditions. Three flower samples of each variety were picked.

4.2. Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds by HS-SPME-GC-MS

The aroma of different species of the daylilies was analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS (Shimadzu, Tokyo, Japan) and semi-quantified by an internal standard method. Fresh Hemerocallis flowers (accurately weighed) were placed in headspace containers. After adding 20 μL of 2-octanol (4.47 mg/kg), the lid was covered and the aged SPME (Supelco, Darmstadt, Germany) head was inserted into the collection bottle for adsorption at 60 °C for 90 min [11]. The Shimadzu software (v. 4.45, GCMS Solution, Shimadzu, Tokyo, Japan) was used to process the acquired chromatographic and spectroscopic data. The volatile compounds were identified based on retention times and mass spectra (comparison with the spectra available in the NIST14.L library, similarity greater than 80%) [37]. For the semi-quantitative measurement of compound concentrations, the internal standard method was used. To be more precise, the ratio of the internal standard peak area to the overall peak area was used to calculate the relative concentration of each component.

4.3. Evaluation of the Floral Fragrances of 60 Scented Hemerocallis Flower Varieties

Key aroma components were filtered out prior to using AHP to compute the weighted values of 60 Hemerocallis flower types. To evaluate each variety, relative objective and unified rating criteria were used. This complete assessment of the tested varieties found those with outstanding comprehensive traits.

4.3.1. Development of the Analytical Hierarchy Process Model

The compositions and concentrations of aromatic components in the 60 types were studied and the data were analyzed by establishing the AHP model (Figure 4). The impacts of different aroma components on emotional stability, slumber, and health-related traits were chosen as the most significant factors in all the types.
Excellent varieties can be chosen using the AHP methodology. The AHP model used in the current study included three hierarchies. The findings of the assessment of Hemerocallis flower varieties in terms of their applications were included in the decision-making hierarchy. The criteria hierarchy included the variables used to assess the viability of each type for use as essential oil resources (B1), aromatherapy resources (B2), and ornamentals as healthcare resources (B3). The scheme hierarchy included statistics for 13 significant aroma compounds (C1–C13). The main volatile substance in the essential oil of daylily is 3-furanmethanol [38]. Geraniol and 2-phenylethanol are important components in many essential oils and have been listed in the international standard for rose oil [39]. Therefore, 3-furanmethanol, geraniol, and 2-phenylethanol were selected as the evaluation factors of essential oil resources (C1–C3).
Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies for improving people’s physical and mental health by introducing aromatic substances (also known as essential oils or volatile substances) from plants into the body through fumigation, atomization, massage, sniffing, and other methods. Numerous studies have demonstrated that aromatherapy helps alleviate or heal conditions associated with the neurological system, such as postpartum depression, stress, insomnia, and anxiety [40,41,42]. The composition of Compound Anshen essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Among the components, linalool exhibits anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects [43]. So Hemerocallis flowers can be used as an aromatherapy resource.
Linalool has a sedative effect and an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system, while it has good skin absorption properties during massage [44]. Linalool, one of the main components of lavender essential oil, also has an effect on the receptor binding of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It also increases the expression of dopamine D3 receptor subtypes in the olfactory bulb, increasing the inhibitory intensity of the nervous system, which can have an anti-anxiety effect and is often used as aromatherapy material [45]. Jasmine essential oil is often used in aromatherapy, because it contains linalool, benzenemethanol, 2-phenylethanol, indole, and other aromatic substances, which have physiological activities such as anti-fatigue and anti-oxidation. Several essential oils contain geraniol in high concentration, which can be an anti-depressant [46,47]. Therefore, linalool, benzenemethanol, indole, nerolidol, α-farnesene, geraniol, and 2-phenylethanol were selected as the evaluation factors of aromatherapy resources (C2–C8).
Choosing ornamental plants with health benefits refers to choosing cultivars with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities. In addition to increasing a plant’s resistance to several diseases and herbivorous insects, (E)-β-ocimene also inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. 3-carene has antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral properties [48]. Benzaldehyde inhibits Shigella, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus to varying degrees [49]. Bacteria and actinomycetes cannot grow when decanal and nonanal are present. Decanal, nonanal, benzaldehyde, 3-carene, and (E)-β-ocimene were used as the evaluation criteria for healthcare resource (C9–C13).
For the following computations, the AHP model was entered into the AHP software (Yaahp Standard Edition, V12.11.8293, Shanxi Yuan Decision Software Technology, Taiyuan, China). Materials with various application values were screened for assessment of different applications by varying the proportional significance of each element in the pairwise comparison in the criteria hierarchy.

4.3.2. Construction of Judgment Matrices

To make it easier to compare components with varying qualities and to increase accuracy, the factors were compared in pairs using a relative scale. Each factor of each scheme hierarchy beneath a certain criterion level was compared in pairs and ranked according to its significance for that level. In the AHP model, rising levels of importance are shown in numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. The reciprocal of scales shows that when two elements are compared, the latter is more significant. If required, the median of two neighboring assessments was represented by the numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8.
These judgment matrices for the resource assessments were created taking into account the significance of scheme hierarchies (factors C1 through C13) in the criteria hierarchy (B1–B3). Similarly, judgment matrices for evaluation of the three resources were developed according to the decisions in the criteria hierarchy (Table 1 and Table 2). The values from the judgment matrices were entered into the AHP program.

4.3.3. Consistency Test and Calculation of Ranking Weights

After normalization (so that the sum of the elements in the vector is equal to 1), the judgment matrix’s eigenvector, which corresponds to the maximum eigenroot λmax, is denoted by the letter Wi. The ranking weight for the relative importance of a factor at one level to another is called element Wi. The term “hierarchical single ranking” refers to this method. For the single hierarchical sort to be confirmed, a consistency test is required. The proportion of consistency (CR) = CI/RI. CI = (λmax − n)/(n − 1); CI is the consistency index of the judgment matrix. To measure the size of CI, the random consistency index RI is introduced, RI = (CI1 + CI2 + …+ CIn)/n; RI depends on the order of the judgment matrix. When CR < 0.1, the judgment matrix is considered to have satisfactory consistency.
To guarantee that each element in the pairwise comparison was consistent, the consistency of the judgment matrices (Table 1) was verified. The judgment matrix was deemed consistent if its highest eigenvalue (max) was equal to or marginally larger than its number of components (n). The evidence was deemed sufficiently reliable.
Each element’s Wi value indicates how significant it is in relation to the element in the level before it. The Wi values of the criteria hierarchy and decision-making hierarchy were calculated. The final result of the Wi values is related to the total hierarchical sorting. The total hierarchical sorting is used to determine which scheme is best.
The concentration of 13 volatile organic compounds in each variety was used to determine the actual score for each element at the protocol level for each variety. The concentrations of the 13 volatile components in each species were multiplied by their corresponding weight values, then summed. They were then sorted to obtain the optimal varieties. The target materials were evaluated based on the weighted score assigned to each component in the scheme hierarchy. The results list the target materials in order of their scores, which indicates their suitability for each of the three applications. This enables us to find superior types that are appropriate for a range of uses.

5. Conclusions

In this study, 114 volatile compounds present in 60 scented Hemerocallis varieties were analyzed. Alcohols were detected as the most abundant volatile organic compounds. Nerolidol, linalool, 2-phenylethanol, nonan-1-ol, and 3-furanmethanol were identified as the main volatile organic compounds. The primary aromatic components of Hemerocallis flowers were further determined through OAV calculations.
In conclusion, 2-phenylethanol, geraniol, linalool, nonanal, decanal, (E)-β-ocimene, indole, nerolidol, benzaldehyde, 3-furanmethanol, benzenemethanol, 3-carene, and α-farnesene contribute to the aroma of Hemerocallis flowers. These aromatic chemicals in Hemerocallis flowers are the key components in their application in essential oil, aromatherapy, and healthcare.
An AHP model was established based on 13 significant aroma compounds identified in the study, and it was easier to distinguish Hemerocallis flowers with complex varieties by this method. This study fully considers the application of aroma in breeding varieties with aromatic properties in complex Hemerocallis flowers. The remarkable aroma varieties with aromatherapy and anti-depressant capacities were screened. This work will help improve the chemical understanding of Hemerocallis flowers aroma, and promote quality control, breeding, and utilization of Hemerocallis flower resources.

Author Contributions

Y.Z.: conceptualization, supervision; W.Y.: investigation, writing—original draft preparation; S.Z. and J.W.: formal analysis, methodology; M.W.: data curation, software, and writing—review and editing; X.Z.: Resources, investigation, and project administration; H.L.: project administration. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This study was funded by interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary collaborative research project of the Collaborative Innovation Fund (XTCX2021-1). The research was supported by Shanghai Engineering Technology Research Center of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission, grant number 20DZ2255600.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data are contained within the article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Figure 1. The number and content of compounds in 60 Hemerocallis flower varieties.
Figure 1. The number and content of compounds in 60 Hemerocallis flower varieties.
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Figure 2. Hierarchical clustering heat maps of 33 main volatile constituents of 60 species of Hemerocallis: (a) Concentrations; (b) OAVs.
Figure 2. Hierarchical clustering heat maps of 33 main volatile constituents of 60 species of Hemerocallis: (a) Concentrations; (b) OAVs.
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Figure 3. Ranking weights of elements in the scheme hierarchy to decision-making hierarchy: (a) essential oil resources (B1); (b) aromatherapy resources (B2); (c) ornamentals as healthcare resources (B3).
Figure 3. Ranking weights of elements in the scheme hierarchy to decision-making hierarchy: (a) essential oil resources (B1); (b) aromatherapy resources (B2); (c) ornamentals as healthcare resources (B3).
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Figure 4. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) model. The decision, criteria, and scheme hierarchies are presented at the top, middle, and bottom, respectively.
Figure 4. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) model. The decision, criteria, and scheme hierarchies are presented at the top, middle, and bottom, respectively.
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Figure 5. The 60 different varieties of Hemerocallis.
Figure 5. The 60 different varieties of Hemerocallis.
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Zhou, Y.; Yang, W.; Zhu, S.; Wei, J.; Zhou, X.; Wang, M.; Lu, H. Evaluation of Aromatic Characteristics and Potential Applications of Hemerocallis L. Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Molecules 2024, 29, 2712. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112712

AMA Style

Zhou Y, Yang W, Zhu S, Wei J, Zhou X, Wang M, Lu H. Evaluation of Aromatic Characteristics and Potential Applications of Hemerocallis L. Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Molecules. 2024; 29(11):2712. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112712

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhou, Yiming, Wei Yang, Siyi Zhu, Jianan Wei, Xiaoli Zhou, Minglong Wang, and Hongxiu Lu. 2024. "Evaluation of Aromatic Characteristics and Potential Applications of Hemerocallis L. Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process" Molecules 29, no. 11: 2712. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112712

APA Style

Zhou, Y., Yang, W., Zhu, S., Wei, J., Zhou, X., Wang, M., & Lu, H. (2024). Evaluation of Aromatic Characteristics and Potential Applications of Hemerocallis L. Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Molecules, 29(11), 2712. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112712

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