Biosynthesis and enantioselectivity in the production of the lilac compounds in Actinidia arguta flowers

► Flower monoterpene-biosynthesis pathway in Actinidiaarguta cultivar 'Hortgem Tahi'. ► Enantiomeric makeup of linalool and its metabolites changes with harvest. ► Deuterium-labelled substrates show unnatural isomers are utilised. ► Multiple enzymes can produce the same compounds. ► Greater biosynthetic capability than revealed by simple phytochemical analysis.