Alstroemeria is a member of the Alstroemeriaceae family, originally from South America, and is an important cut flower in the European market. Breeding programmes have developed new Alstroemeria varieties focused on aesthetic characteristics and vase life longevity, but little is known about the scent trait. Two scented (A. 'Sweet Laura' and A. caryophyllea) and two unscented Alstroemeria (A. 'Rebecca' and A. 'Samora') cultivars were analysed. Stages of development and senescence were evaluated based on changes in morphology. Scent production was assessed during this development and the stage with maximal scent production was identified. GC-MS analysis was tested to establish whether it could be used as a reliable system to evaluate floral scent of Alstroemeria. Sesquiterpenes were the main group of volatile compounds found in A. 'Sweet Laura', while a monoterpene was the only compound identified in A. caryophyllea. A partial cDNA homologous to Quercus ilex mRNA for a putative chloroplast terpene synthase was identified from subtractive cDNA libraries (ALSTER) in the 'Rebecca' cultivar. Evaluation of vegetative and reproductive organs showed ALSTER expression as flower-specific for A. caryophyllea and florally enhanced in A. 'Sweet Laura'. The possible role of this gene is discussed.

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