| Abstract Detail
Pollination Biology Meier, Retha [1]. Breeding Systems, Pollination Ecology and Fragrances of Thelymitra (Orchidoideae) . The purpose of our study was to investigate the breeding system, pollination ecology and fragrances of Thelymitra crinita (blue lady) and Thelymitra macrophylla (scented sun orchid). Green house experiments showed that both orchid "parent species" were self-compatible but did not self-pollinate mechanically. We also found that native bees infrequently visit T. macrophylla and T. crinita. As the orchids' flowering periods and distribution overlapped broadly at one of our field sites in Western Australia, we wanted to know if these blue sun orchids could be mimicking Orthrosanthos (Iridaceae) and/or Leschenaultia (Tachinidae). To address this research interest, fragrances were collected from all four species and sent to Dr. Robert Raguso at Cornell University for analyses. We found that T. macrophylla may be mimicking Orthrosanthos in color (blue) as well as fragrance (both emit 2-phenylethanol). T. macrophylla and Orthrosanthos smell alike but T. crinita does not smell like either of them. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Saint Louis University, Education, 3500 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63103, USA
Keywords:
breeding systems
Insect pollination
fragrances
Thelymitra.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 23
Location: Waterman Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 4:00 PM
Number: 23002
Abstract ID:757 |
