Which nutrient is essential for synthesizing aroma compounds in plants?

Sulfur is vital for synthesizing aroma compounds in plants because it is a key component of amino acids and proteins, which are foundational for many biochemical pathways. Specifically, sulfur is involved in the formation of certain volatile compounds, such as sulfur-containing amino acids (cysteine and methionine), which contribute significantly to the flavor and aroma profiles of plants and their products. Additionally, these compounds can participate in the synthesis of secondary metabolites that play roles in plant signaling and interactions with the surrounding environment.

While calcium, boron, and chlorine are also important nutrients for plant health, they do not play the same direct role in the synthesis of aroma compounds. Calcium is primarily involved in cell wall stability and signaling, boron plays a crucial role in cell division and the growth of plant tissues, and chlorine helps with photosynthesis and osmosis. None of these nutrients directly contribute to the synthesizing of aromatic compounds as sulfur does, making sulfur the essential nutrient for this specific function.