Exploring volatile aroma and non-volatile bioactive compounds diversity in wild populations of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid.)

•24 Rosemary wild populations characterised for both volatile and phenolic compounds.•Relatively large diversity observed in both volatile and phenolic compounds content.•Classification based on chemical composition was consistent with geographic origin.•Enhancement of bioactive compounds may be achieved through selection by population.•Association between non-volatile bioactive and key aroma compounds was observed. Ninety-five rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Schleid.) genotypes, representing 24 wild populations, collected in different geographical areas in Italy and then cultivated under homogeneous environmental conditions, were characterised for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and three main non-volatile phenolic diterpenes (carnosic acid, carnosol) and acids (rosmarinic acid). Cluster analysis of chemical data highlighted the occurrence of three main groups of populations: one with high levels of verbenone, α-pinene, bornyl acetate, carnosic acid and carnosol, a second one with relatively high levels of camphor and a third one with high levels of 1,8-cineole, β-pinene and sesquiterpenes. This clustering was consistent with geographic origin and previous genetic characterisation of the same populations. Correlation analysis suggested that levels of the key antioxidant carnosic acid were associated to levels of the key aroma compound verbenone. The observed diversity may be exploited in breeding programs to develop lines and designing products with improved flavour quality and functional properties.