Cymbidium kanran can deceptively attract Apis cerana for free pollination by releasing specialized volatile compounds

Cymbidium kanran is classified as a second-level protected plant in China and is also listed in the World Genetic Conservation Plant Registry. Pollen flow is an important factor influencing the genetic structure of plant populations, holding significant relevance in the conservation of endangered pl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature Conservation 2024-08, Vol.56 (7878), p.83-100
Main Authors: Luo, Huolin, Xiao, Hanwen, Wu, Xinchen, Liu, Nannan, Chen, Xinghui, Xiong, Dongjin, Huang, Weichang, Yang, Boyun
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Apis cerana
Apomixis
Bees
Conservation
Cymbidium
Ecological research
Endangered populations
Endangered species
Environmental aspects
Flowering
Fruit set
Genetic structure
Hexanal
Insect-plant relationships
Nectar
Orchids
Physiological aspects
Plant breeding
Plant reproduction
Plant reproductive structures
Pollen
Pollination
Pollinators
Population genetics
Population studies
Protection and preservation
Volatile organic compounds
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Summary:Cymbidium kanran is classified as a second-level protected plant in China and is also listed in the World Genetic Conservation Plant Registry. Pollen flow is an important factor influencing the genetic structure of plant populations, holding significant relevance in the conservation of endangered plants. In this study, we present a comprehensive exploration of the pollination biology of Cymbidium kanran , encompassing investigations into its flowering phenology, breeding system, floral volatile components, and interactions with pollinating insects. The results showed that: 1) C. kanran exclusively relies on external pollination mechanisms, as automatic self-pollination or apomixis mechanisms are conspicuously absent. Consequently, the natural fruit set rate is significantly lower compared to artificial pollination, highlighting a pronounced pollination limitation. 2) Apis cerana emerges as the primary effective pollinating insect for C. kanran , adeptly carrying both pollinia and anther caps during the pollination process. Notably, C. kanran does not provide any rewards, such as nectar or edible pollen, to entice the pollinators. 3) Contrary to expectations, our glass cylinder experiment demonstrates that the flower color of C. kanran lacks significant attractiveness to pollinators (p=0.1341>0.05). However, the scent emitted by the flowers exhibits considerable allure (p=0.0004
ISSN:1314-6947
1314-3301
DOI:10.3897/natureconservation.56.126919