During submerged cultivation, the edible basidiomycete Fomitopsis betulina (previously Piptoporus betulinus) developed a fruity odor, strongly reminding of pineapple. Olfactometric analysis showed that this impression was mainly caused by the two (5E/Z,7E,9)-decatrien-2-ones. At the time of maximum concentration on the 5th day, the (5E/5Z)-ratio was 94:6. Three hypotheses were experimentally examined to shed light onto the genesis of the uncommon volatiles: first, an indirect effect of agro-industrial side-streams, such as cabbage cuttings, supporting good growth; second, an unsaturated odd-numbered fatty acid precursor; and third, a polyketide-like pathway. In the presence of 1-13C- or 2-13C-acetate up to five acetates were incorporated into the molecular ions of the C10-body. Addition of 1-13C-pyruvate or 1-13C-lactate did not confirm an odd-numbered starter of the polyketide chain. None of the methylketones was found in pineapple or any other food before.
Keywords: (5E/Z,7E,9)-decatrien-2-one; Fomitopsis betulina; pineapple odor; polyketide.