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Rupp T, Oelschlägel B, Berjano R, Mahfoud H, Buono D, Wenke T, Rabitsch K, Bächli G, Stanojlovic V, Cabrele C, Xiong W, Knaden M, Dahl A, Neinhuis C, Wanke S, Dötterl S. Chemical imitation of yeast fermentation by the drosophilid-pollinated deceptive trap-flower Aristolochia baetica (Aristolochiaceae). PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2024; 224:114142. [PMID: 38762152 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Deceptive flowers, unlike in mutualistic pollination systems, mislead their pollinators by advertising rewards which ultimately are not provided. Although our understanding of deceptive pollination systems increased in recent years, the attractive signals and deceptive strategies in the majority of species remain unknown. This is also true for the genus Aristolochia, famous for its deceptive and fly-pollinated trap flowers. Representatives of this genus were generally assumed to be oviposition-site mimics, imitating vertebrate carrion or mushrooms. However, recent studies found a broader spectrum of strategies, including kleptomyiophily and imitation of invertebrate carrion. A different deceptive strategy is presented here for the western Mediterranean Aristolochia baetica L. We found that this species is mostly pollinated by drosophilid flies (Drosophilidae, mostly Drosophila spp.), which typically feed on fermenting fruit infested by yeasts. The flowers of A. baetica emitted mostly typical yeast volatiles, predominantly the aliphatic compounds acetoin and 2,3-butandiol, and derived acetates, as well as the aromatic compound 2-phenylethanol. Analyses of the absolute configurations of the chiral volatiles revealed weakly (acetoin, 2,3-butanediol) to strongly (mono- and diacetates) biased stereoisomer-ratios. Electrophysiological (GC-EAD) experiments and lab bioassays demonstrated that most of the floral volatiles, although not all stereoisomers of chiral compounds, were physiologically active and attractive in drosophilid pollinators; a synthetic mixture thereof successfully attracted them in field and lab bioassays. We conclude that A. baetica chemically mimics yeast fermentation to deceive its pollinators. This deceptive strategy (scent chemistry, pollinators, trapping function) is also known from more distantly related plants, such as Arum palaestinum Boiss. (Araceae) and Ceropegia spp. (Apocynaceae), suggesting convergent evolution. In contrast to other studies working on floral scents in plants imitating breeding sites, the present study considered the absolute configuration of chiral compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Rupp
- Department of Environment & Biodiversity, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Birgit Oelschlägel
- Institut für Botanik, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Regina Berjano
- Department of Vegetal Biology and Ecology, University of Sevilla, Avenida Reina Mercedes s/n, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Hafez Mahfoud
- Institut für Botanik, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniele Buono
- Institut für Botanik, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Torsten Wenke
- Institut für Botanik, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katharina Rabitsch
- Department of Environment & Biodiversity, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gerhard Bächli
- Institut für Evolutionsbiologie und Umweltforschung, Universität Zürich-Irchel, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Vesna Stanojlovic
- Department of Environment & Biodiversity, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Chiara Cabrele
- Department of Environment & Biodiversity, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Wujian Xiong
- Department of Environment & Biodiversity, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria; Ecological Security and Protection Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Mianyang Normal University, Mianxingxi Road 166, 621000, Mianyang, China
| | - Markus Knaden
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans Knoell Strasse 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Dahl
- DRESDEN-Concept Genome Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 105, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christoph Neinhuis
- Institut für Botanik, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Wanke
- Institut für Botanik, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01062, Dresden, Germany; Departamento de Botánica, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Apartado Postal 70-367, 04510, Coyoacan, Distrito Federal, Mexico; Institut für Ökologie, Evolution und Diversiät, Goethe-Universität, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Abteilung Botanik und molekulare Evolutionsforschung, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Dötterl
- Department of Environment & Biodiversity, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
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Song B, Chen J, Lev-Yadun S, Niu Y, Gao Y, Ma R, Armbruster WS, Sun H. Multifunctionality of angiosperm floral bracts: a review. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:1100-1120. [PMID: 38291834 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Floral bracts (bracteoles, cataphylls) are leaf-like organs that subtend flowers or inflorescences but are of non-floral origin; they occur in a wide diversity of species, representing multiple independent origins, and exhibit great variation in form and function. Although much attention has been paid to bracts over the past 150 years, our understanding of their adaptive significance remains remarkably incomplete. This is because most studies of bract function and evolution focus on only one or a few selective factors. It is widely recognised that bracts experience selection mediated by pollinators, particularly for enhancing pollinator attraction through strong visual, olfactory, or echo-acoustic contrast with the background and through signalling the presence of pollinator rewards, either honestly (providing rewards for pollinators), or deceptively (attraction without reward or even trapping pollinators). However, studies in recent decades have demonstrated that bract evolution is also affected by agents other than pollinators. Bracts can protect flowers, fruits, or seeds from herbivores by displaying warning signals, camouflaging conspicuous reproductive organs, or by providing physical barriers or toxic chemicals. Reviews of published studies show that bracts can also promote seed dispersal and ameliorate the effects of abiotic stressors, such as low temperature, strong ultraviolet radiation, heavy rain, drought, and/or mechanical abrasion, on reproductive organs or for the plants' pollinators. In addition, green bracts and greening of colourful bracts after pollination promote photosynthetic activity, providing substantial carbon (photosynthates) for fruit or seed development, especially late in a plant's life cycle or season, when leaves have started to senesce. A further layer of complexity derives from the fact that the agents of selection driving the evolution of bracts vary between species and even between different developmental stages within a species, and selection by one agent can be reinforced or opposed by other agents. In summary, our survey of the literature reveals that bracts are multifunctional and subject to multiple agents of selection. To understand fully the functional and evolutionary significance of bracts, it is necessary to consider multiple selection agents throughout the life of the plant, using integrative approaches to data collection and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Song
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia/Yunnan Key Laboratory for Integrative Conservation of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Jiaqi Chen
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia/Yunnan Key Laboratory for Integrative Conservation of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Huannan Road, East of University Town, Chenggong New Area, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Simcha Lev-Yadun
- Department of Biology and Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa at Oranim, Kiryat Tiv'on, 36006, Israel
| | - Yang Niu
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia/Yunnan Key Laboratory for Integrative Conservation of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Yongqian Gao
- Yunnan Forestry Technological College, 1 Jindian, Kunming, 650224, China
| | - Rong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia/Yunnan Key Laboratory for Integrative Conservation of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - W Scott Armbruster
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, King Henry Building, King Henry I Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, UK
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, PO Box 757000, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
| | - Hang Sun
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia/Yunnan Key Laboratory for Integrative Conservation of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming, 650201, China
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Sunakawa Y, Mochizuki K, Kawakita A. Pollination of Oberonia japonica (Orchidaceae) by gall midges (Cecidomyiidae). Ecology 2024; 105:e4293. [PMID: 38551490 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Sunakawa
- The Botanical Gardens, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ko Mochizuki
- The Botanical Gardens, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kawakita
- The Botanical Gardens, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Kidyoo A, Kidyoo M, Ekkaphan P, Blatrix R, McKey D, Proffit M. Specialized pollination by cecidomyiid flies and associated floral traits in Vincetoxicum sangyojarniae (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae). PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2024; 26:166-180. [PMID: 38196297 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Specialized pollination systems frequently match a particular set of floral characteristics. Vincetoxicum spp. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) have disk-shaped flowers with open access to rewards and reproductive organs. Flowers with these traits are usually associated with generalized pollination. However, the highly modified androecium and gynoecium that characterize asclepiads are thought to be associated with specialized pollinators. In V. sangyojarniae, we investigated floral biology, pollination, and the degree of pollinator specialization in two localities in Thailand. We examined floral traits that target legitimate pollinators. Flowers of V. sangyojarniae opened only at night, emitted floral scents containing mainly (E)-β-ocimene, 1-octen-3-ol, (E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (E-DMNT) and N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide, and provided sucrose-dominated nectar openly to insect visitors. Assessment of pollinator effectiveness indicated that V. sangyojarniae is functionally specialized for pollination by cecidomyiid flies. Although various insects, particularly cockroaches, frequently visited flowers, they did not carry pollinaria. Our results suggest that V. sangyojarniae attracts its fly pollinators by emitting floral volatiles bearing olfactory notes associated with the presence of fungi or, less likely, of prey captured by predatory arthropods (food sources of its pollinators) but offers a nectar reward upon insect arrival. Hence, there is a mismatch between the advertisement and the actual reward. Our results also suggest that the size of floral parts constitutes a mechanical filter where reciprocal fit between flower and insect structures ensures that only suitable pollinators can extract the pollinaria, a prerequisite for successful pollination.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kidyoo
- Plants of Thailand Research Unit, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - M Kidyoo
- Plants of Thailand Research Unit, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - P Ekkaphan
- Scientific and Technological Research Equipment Centre, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - R Blatrix
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - D McKey
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - M Proffit
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
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Suetsugu K. A novel nursery pollination system between a mycoheterotrophic orchid and mushroom-feeding flies. Ecology 2023; 104:e4152. [PMID: 37610832 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Suetsugu
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Research, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
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Vandegrift R, Newman DS, Dentinger BTM, Batallas-Molina R, Dueñas N, Flores J, Goyes P, Jenkinson TS, McAlpine J, Navas D, Policha T, Thomas DC, Roy BA. Richer than Gold: the fungal biodiversity of Reserva Los Cedros, a threatened Andean cloud forest. BOTANICAL STUDIES 2023; 64:17. [PMID: 37410314 DOI: 10.1186/s40529-023-00390-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, many undescribed fungal taxa reside in the hyperdiverse, yet undersampled, tropics. These species are under increasing threat from habitat destruction by expanding extractive industry, in addition to global climate change and other threats. Reserva Los Cedros is a primary cloud forest reserve of ~ 5256 ha, and is among the last unlogged watersheds on the western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes. No major fungal survey has been done there, presenting an opportunity to document fungi in primary forest in an underrepresented habitat and location. Above-ground surveys from 2008 to 2019 resulted in 1760 vouchered collections, cataloged and deposited at QCNE in Ecuador, mostly Agaricales sensu lato and Xylariales. We document diversity using a combination of ITS barcode sequencing and digital photography, and share the information via public repositories (GenBank & iNaturalist). RESULTS Preliminary identifications indicate the presence of at least 727 unique fungal species within the Reserve, representing 4 phyla, 17 classes, 40 orders, 101 families, and 229 genera. Two taxa at Los Cedros have recently been recommended to the IUCN Fungal Red List Initiative (Thamnomyces chocöensis Læssøe and "Lactocollybia" aurantiaca Singer), and we add occurrence data for two others already under consideration (Hygrocybe aphylla Læssøe & Boertm. and Lamelloporus americanus Ryvarden). CONCLUSIONS Plants and animals are known to exhibit exceptionally high diversity and endemism in the Chocó bioregion, as the fungi do as well. Our collections contribute to understanding this important driver of biodiversity in the Neotropics, as well as illustrating the importance and utility of such data to conservation efforts. RESUMEN Antecedentes: A nivel mundial muchos taxones fúngicos no descritos residen en los trópicos hiper diversos aunque continúan submuestreados. Estas especies están cada vez más amenazadas por la destrucción del hábitat debido a la expansión de la industria extractivista además del cambio climático global y otras amenazas. Los Cedros es una reserva de bosque nublado primario de ~ 5256 ha y se encuentra entre las últimas cuencas hidrográficas no explotadas en la vertiente occidental de los Andes ecuatorianos. Nunca antes se ha realizado un estudio de diversidad micológica en el sitio, lo que significa una oportunidad para documentar hongos en el bosque primario, en hábitat y ubicación subrepresentatadas. El presente estudio recopila información entre el 2008 y 2019 muestreando material sobre todos los sustratos, reportando 1760 colecciones catalogadas y depositadas en el Fungario del QCNE de Ecuador, en su mayoría Agaricales sensu lato y Xylariales; además se documenta la diversidad mediante secuenciación de códigos de barras ITS y fotografía digital, la información está disponible en repositorios públicos digitales (GenBank e iNaturalist). RESULTADOS La identificación preliminar indica la presencia de al menos 727 especies únicas de hongos dentro de la Reserva, que representan 4 filos, 17 clases, 40 órdenes, 101 familias y 229 géneros. Recientemente dos taxones en Los Cedros se recomendaron a la Iniciativa de Lista Roja de Hongos de la UICN (Thamnomyces chocöensis Læssøe y "Lactocollybia" aurantiaca Singer) y agregamos datos de presencia de otros dos que ya estaban bajo consideración (Hygrocybe aphylla Læssøe & Boertm. y Lamelloporus americanus Ryvarden). CONCLUSIONES Se sabe que plantas y animales exhiben una diversidad y endemismo excepcionalmente altos en la bioregión del Chocó y los hongos no son la excepción. Nuestras colecciones contribuyen a comprender este importante promotor de la biodiversidad en el Neotrópico además de ilustrar la importancia y utilidad de dichos datos para los esfuerzos de conservación.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Vandegrift
- Inst. of Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97402, USA.
- Herbario Nacional del Ecuador (QCNE), sección botánica del Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INABIO), Avenida Río Coca E6-115 e Isla Fernandina, Sector Jipijapa, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - D S Newman
- , Glorieta, NM, USA
- Herbario Nacional del Ecuador (QCNE), sección botánica del Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INABIO), Avenida Río Coca E6-115 e Isla Fernandina, Sector Jipijapa, Quito, Ecuador
| | - B T M Dentinger
- Biology Department and Natural History Museum, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - R Batallas-Molina
- Herbario Nacional del Ecuador (QCNE), sección botánica del Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INABIO), Avenida Río Coca E6-115 e Isla Fernandina, Sector Jipijapa, Quito, Ecuador
| | - N Dueñas
- Departamento de Investigación de Mycomaker, Quito, Ecuador
| | - J Flores
- Departamento de Investigación de Reino Fungi, Quito, Ecuador
| | - P Goyes
- Microbiology Institute-Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - T S Jenkinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA
| | - J McAlpine
- Inst. of Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97402, USA
| | - D Navas
- Herbario Nacional del Ecuador (QCNE), sección botánica del Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INABIO), Avenida Río Coca E6-115 e Isla Fernandina, Sector Jipijapa, Quito, Ecuador
| | - T Policha
- Inst. of Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97402, USA
| | - D C Thomas
- Inst. of Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97402, USA
- Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Research, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Bayern, DE, Germany
| | - B A Roy
- Inst. of Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97402, USA
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Deng X, Hu C, Xie C, Lu A, Luo Y, Peng T, Huang W. Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveal the Role of Metabolites and Genes in Modulating Flower Color of Paphiopedilum micranthum. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2058. [PMID: 37653975 PMCID: PMC10220555 DOI: 10.3390/plants12102058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Food-deceptive flowers primarily use visual signals (such as color) to mimic model plants and deceive insects into achieving pollination. Paphiopedilum micranthum is a food-deceptive orchid that has a pink labellum and two purple petals with a yellow base and has been proven to be pollinated by bumblebees. However, the chemical and molecular bases of the floral color are not well understood. We conducted targeted metabolite profiling and transcriptomic analysis to determine the color signal and its genetic basis in P. micranthum. We found that both anthocyanins and carotenoids contribute significantly to the formation of floral color that determines the color signal. Higher concentrations of anthocyanins (cyanidin and peonidin) and carotenoids (primarily lutein and zeaxanthin) were detected in the petal compared to the labellum. The upregulation of structural genes of CHS, F3'H, DFR and ANS on the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in petals was identified, as well as three genes of LCYE, BCH, and CCD4 on the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, we discovered that three R2R3-MYBs and one bHLH transcription factors were co-expressed with the expression of different genes. These genes and transcription factors may be responsible for the spatial color difference of P. micranthum. Our study emphasizes that the color of this food-deceptive orchids is achieved through specific genes and transcription factors associated with the pigment biosynthesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China;
- Eastern China Conservation Centre for Wild Endangered Plant Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China; (C.H.); (C.X.); (A.L.)
| | - Chao Hu
- Eastern China Conservation Centre for Wild Endangered Plant Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China; (C.H.); (C.X.); (A.L.)
| | - Chengzhi Xie
- Eastern China Conservation Centre for Wild Endangered Plant Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China; (C.H.); (C.X.); (A.L.)
- College of Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Aixian Lu
- Eastern China Conservation Centre for Wild Endangered Plant Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China; (C.H.); (C.X.); (A.L.)
| | - Yibo Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China
- China National Botanical Garden, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Tao Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, China;
| | - Weichang Huang
- Eastern China Conservation Centre for Wild Endangered Plant Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai 201602, China; (C.H.); (C.X.); (A.L.)
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Leménager M, Burkiewicz J, Schoen DJ, Joly S. Studying flowers in 3D using photogrammetry. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 237:1922-1933. [PMID: 36263728 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Flowers are intricate and integrated three-dimensional (3D) structures predominantly studied in 2D due to the difficulty in quantitatively characterising their morphology in 3D. Given the recent development of analytical methods for high-dimensional data, the reconstruction of flower models in three dimensions represents the limiting factor to studying flowers in 3D. We developed a floral photogrammetry protocol to reconstruct 3D models of flowers based on images taken with a digital single-lens reflex camera, a turntable and a portable lightbox. We demonstrate that photogrammetry allows a rapid and accurate reconstruction of 3D models of flowers from 2D images. It can reconstruct all visible parts of flowers and has the advantage of keeping colour information. We illustrated its use by studying the shape and colour of 18 Gesneriaceae species. Photogrammetry is an affordable alternative to micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) that requires minimal investment and equipment, allowing it to be used directly in the field. It has the potential to stimulate research on the evolution and ecology of flowers by providing a simple way to access 3D morphological data from a variety of flower types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Leménager
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Université de Montréal, 4101 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montréal, QC, H1X 2B2, Canada
| | - Jérôme Burkiewicz
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Université de Montréal, 4101 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montréal, QC, H1X 2B2, Canada
| | - Daniel J Schoen
- Biology Department, McGill University, 205 Av. du Docteur-Penfield, Montréal, QC, H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - Simon Joly
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Université de Montréal, 4101 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montréal, QC, H1X 2B2, Canada
- Jardin Botanique de Montréal, 4101 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montréal, QC, H1X 2B2, Canada
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Perkins J, Hayashi T, Peakall R, Flematti GR, Bohman B. The volatile chemistry of orchid pollination. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:819-839. [PMID: 36691832 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00060a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Covering: up to September 2022Orchids are renowned not only for their diversity of floral forms, but also for their many and often highly specialised pollination strategies. Volatile semiochemicals play a crucial role in the attraction of a wide variety of insect pollinators of orchids. The compounds produced by orchid flowers are as diverse as the pollinators they attract, and here we summarise some of the chemical diversity found across orchid taxa and pollination strategies. We focus on compounds that have been experimentally demonstrated to underpin pollinator attraction. We also highlight the structural elucidation and synthesis of a select subset of important orchid pollinator attractants, and discuss the ecological significance of the discoveries, the gaps in our current knowledge of orchid pollination chemistry, and some opportunities for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Perkins
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Australia
| | - Tobias Hayashi
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Australia
| | - Rod Peakall
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Australia.,School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gavin R Flematti
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Björn Bohman
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Australia.,School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden.
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10
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Dahake A, Jain P, Vogt CC, Kandalaft W, Stroock AD, Raguso RA. A signal-like role for floral humidity in a nocturnal pollination system. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7773. [PMID: 36522313 PMCID: PMC9755274 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35353-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have considered floral humidity to be an inadvertent consequence of nectar evaporation, which could be exploited as a cue by nectar-seeking pollinators. By contrast, our interdisciplinary study of a night-blooming flower, Datura wrightii, and its hawkmoth pollinator, Manduca sexta, reveals that floral relative humidity acts as a mutually beneficial signal in this system. The distinction between cue- and signal-based functions is illustrated by three experimental findings. First, floral humidity gradients in Datura are nearly ten-fold greater than those reported for other species, and result from active (stomatal conductance) rather than passive (nectar evaporation) processes. These humidity gradients are sustained in the face of wind and are reconstituted within seconds of moth visitation, implying substantial physiological costs to these desert plants. Second, the water balance costs in Datura are compensated through increased visitation by Manduca moths, with concomitant increases in pollen export. We show that moths are innately attracted to humid flowers, even when floral humidity and nectar rewards are experimentally decoupled. Moreover, moths can track minute changes in humidity via antennal hygrosensory sensilla but fail to do so when these sensilla are experimentally occluded. Third, their preference for humid flowers benefits hawkmoths by reducing the energetic costs of flower handling during nectar foraging. Taken together, these findings suggest that floral humidity may function as a signal mediating the final stages of floral choice by hawkmoths, complementing the attractive functions of visual and olfactory signals beyond the floral threshold in this nocturnal plant-pollinator system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajinkya Dahake
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Piyush Jain
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XSibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Caleb C. Vogt
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - William Kandalaft
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Abraham D. Stroock
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XSmith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Robert A. Raguso
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
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11
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Wong DCJ, Perkins J, Peakall R. Conserved pigment pathways underpin the dark insectiform floral structures of sexually deceptive Chiloglottis (Orchidaceae). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:976283. [PMID: 36275580 PMCID: PMC9581149 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.976283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sexually deceptive plants achieve pollination by enticing specific male insects as pollinators using a combination of olfactory, visual, and morphological mimicry. The sexually deceptive orchid genus Chiloglottis is comprised of some 30 species with predominantly dull green-red flowers except for the dark insectiform calli/callus structure from the labellum lamina. This unique structure mimics the female of the pollinator and potentially enhances the visibility of the mimic. However, the chemical and genetic basis for the color of these structures remains poorly understood across the genus. The goal of this study was to investigate the flower color biochemistry and patterns of gene expression across the anthocyanin and flavonol glycoside biosynthetic pathway within the calli structures across the three distinct clades of Chiloglottis (Formicifera, Reflexa, and Valida) using chemical and transcriptome analysis. Our phylogenomic analysis confirmed the close sister relationship between the Reflexa/Formicifera clades and reaffirms the basal position of the Valida clade. Additionally, the biochemical basis of the dark calli/callus structures is conserved across the genus. Nonetheless, the proportion of methoxylated anthocyanin and flavonol glycoside derivatives and the mean gene expression levels appear to differentiate the Reflexa and Formicifera clades from the Valida clade. In future studies, it will be of interest to tease apart the role of phylogeny, environment, pollinators, and other factors as potential drivers of the observed biochemistry and gene expression differences. It will also be important to characterize the function of candidate genes such as DFR, LDOX, and FLS in this fascinating case of flower color mimicry.
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12
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Takahashi D, Sakaguchi S, Teramine T, Setoguchi H. Comparative reproductive ecology of two sister Asarum species (Aristolochiaceae) in relation to the evolution of elongated floral appendage. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2022; 24:987-997. [PMID: 35869650 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Genus Asarum (Aristolochiaceae) shows diverse floral morphology and is hypothesized to have diversified as a result of pollinator-mediated selection. Yet most aspects of their reproductive ecology, including pollinators, remain unclear. This study focuses on A. costatum and A. minamitanianum in Japan, a sister species pair having remarkable differences in calyx lobe length (10-20 mm and 70-180 mm, respectively). The objectives of this study are to elucidate multiple aspects of reproductive ecology of these two species and obtain evolutionary insights into floral organ elongation. We adopted combined approaches, including field observations, molecular analyses and cultivation experiments, such as pollinator observation for 3 years, fine-scale spatial genetic analysis of 769 individuals, paternity analysis based on 566 seeds over 4 years, and control pollination experiments. Both Asarum species had strong spatial genetic structures, indicating limited seed dispersal. Pollinator observation revealed that flies and ground-dwelling insects visited flowers of both species, but that the pollinator fauna differed between the species. The visitation rate of flies was extremely low but was more than twice as high in the species with an elongated floral appendage. Paternity analysis revealed A. minamitanianum was predominantly outcrossing, while A. costatum showed a wide range of selfing rates among fruits. These two Asarum species are likely adapted to fly pollination in the shady forest understorey, where available pollinator fauna is limited. In addition, although its function remains unclear, the elongated calyx lobe of A. minamitanianum could have evolved for effective pollen dispersal by attracting fly visitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Takahashi
- Kawatabi Field Science Centre, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Osaki, Japan
| | - S Sakaguchi
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - H Setoguchi
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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13
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Han ZD, Wu Y, Bernhardt P, Wang H, Ren ZX. Observations on the pollination and breeding systems of two Corybas species (Diurideae; Orchidaceae) by fungus gnats (Mycetophilidae) in southwestern Yunnan, China. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:426. [PMID: 36050636 PMCID: PMC9438300 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03816-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Modes of floral presentation in some angiosperms attract flies that eat and/or oviposit on seasonal fruiting bodies of fungi. Mushroom mimesis by orchid flowers has been speculated in the geoflorous, Indo-Malaysian-Australasian, genus Corybas s.l. for decades but most studies remain fragmentary and are often inconclusive. Here we report the roles of fungus gnats as pollinators of Corybas geminigibbus and C. shanlinshiensis in southwestern Yunnan, China, combining results of field observations, lab analyses, and manipulative experiments. Hand pollination experiments suggested both species were self-compatible but incapable of mechanical self-pollination, thereby requiring pollinators for fruit production. A female of a Phthinia sp. (Mycetophilidae) carried a pollinarium of C. geminigibbus dorsally on its thorax. Two females and one male of Exechia sp. (Mycetophilidae) visiting flowers of C. shanlinshiensis carried dorsal depositions of pollinaria on their thoraces. Mycetophilid eggs were not found in the flowers of either species. The comparative fragrance analyses of these flowers and three co-fruiting mushroom species did not suggest that either orchid species was a brood-site mimic. This is the first confirmation of the dispersal of pollinaria of Corybas species by fungus gnats in subtropical-temperate Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou-Dong Han
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - You Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Hong Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Lijiang Forest Biodiversity National Observation and Research Station, Lijiang, China.
| | - Zong-Xin Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Lijiang Forest Biodiversity National Observation and Research Station, Lijiang, China.
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14
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The Floral Signals of the Inconspicuous Orchid Malaxis monophyllos: How to Lure Small Pollinators in an Abundant Environment. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050640. [PMID: 35625368 PMCID: PMC9137910 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Malaxis monophyllos is an ephemeral orchid with very small, greenish flowers, whose pollination system remains vague. Therefore, the authors aimed to identify the flower’s features, including its anatomical micro and ultrastructure as well as scent biochemistry, which are involved in attracting pollinators. In this paper, the authors established the variety of emissions of M. monophyllos volatile compounds, with a high proportion of aldehydes and aliphatic alcohols, listed as chemicals that induce a pronounced reaction in Diptera. Second, the entire M. monophyllos labellum exhibits metabolic and secretory activity, which can be related to both emission of volatiles and visual attractants but also to the nutritional reward for pollinators. All these flower features indicated that its pollination system is dedicated to dipterans, with few signaling modalities corresponding to deceptive species (brood site and food decoy) but also referring to rewarding ones (nutritional secretion, fungus/microbe reward). This research reveals a few new issues in M. monophyllos pollination biology that provides new scientific areas for in-depth insights in the future. Abstract Many orchid species have evolved complex floral signals to ensure pollination efficiency. Here, the authors combined analyses of anatomical flower structure with analyses of the volatile composition and flower-visiting insects’ behaviour, as well as characterised features that can attract pollinators of the inconspicuous orchid Malaxis monophyllos. During field observations, the authors found that only small Diptera (e.g., mosquitos, drosophilids, fungus gnats) visit and are interested in the flowers of M. monophyllos, which was reflected in the characterised flower features that combine well with the pollination system, which engages dipterans. Analyses of the M. monophyllos floral scent revealed substantial concentrations of aliphatic compounds, e.g., 1-octen-3-ol and 1-octanol, which condition the mushroom-like scent and a substantial fraction of alkanes, some of which have been previously described as sex mimicry and aggregation pheromones in orchids’ deceptive systems. The labellum anatomical structure exhibits a highly diverse cell cuticle surface and pronounced metabolic and secretory activity of the epidermal and subepidermal cells from all parts of the labellum. Moreover, our study provides evidence for the subsequent decoys of M. monophyllos flowers, including visual signals, such as raphides located on the labellum margin and the rewarding ones connected with lipid secretion limited to the area behind the column. Taking an integrative approach to studying M. monophyllos pollination biology, the authors provide new insight into its previously vague pollination strategies and provide evidence for complex floral signal operation in luring potential pollinators. The synergistic effect of M. monophyllos flowers’ volatile and visual signals, together with additional rewarding for nectar/fungus/microbe-feeding pollinators, requires further detailed investigation that will be invaluable in explaining the evolution of Diptera-specific pollination systems in orchids.
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15
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Zheng CC, Luo YB, Jiao RF, Gao XF, Xu B. Cypripedium lichiangense (Orchidaceae) mimics a humus-rich oviposition site to attract its female pollinator, Ferdinandea cuprea (Syrphidae). PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2022; 24:145-156. [PMID: 34490731 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Most species in the genus Cypripedium (Cypripedioideae) produce trap flowers, making it a model lineage to study deceptive pollination. Floral attractants in most species studied appear to target bee species of different sizes. However, more recent publications report fly pollination in some subalpine species, suggesting novel suites of adaptive floral traits. Cypripedium lichiangense (section Trigonopedia) is an endangered subalpine species endemic to the Hengduan Mountains, China. We observed and analysed its floral traits, pollinators and breeding systems over 2 years in situ and in the lab. Cypripedium lichiangense was visited by females of Ferdinandea cuprea (Syrphidae). The pollinia were carried dorsally on the fly thoraces. The eggs of this fly were frequently found in the saccate labellum and on other floral organs, suggesting brood-site mimesis. The orchid is self-compatible, but cross-pollination produces more viable embryos. We propose a new mode of floral mimesis, humus-rich oviposition site mimicry, for C. lichiangense. Compared with the mimesis of aphid colonies attracting syrphid pollinators (subfamily Syrphinae), whose larvae are entomophagic, as reported in some Paphiopedilum species (Cypripedioideae), pollination by deceit in C. lichiangense represents a distinct and separate mode of exploitation of another saprophagic (or phytophagic) larvae syrphid lineage in the subfamily Eristalinae and appears to indicate diversity of pollination strategies in Section Trigonopedia of Cypripedium. However, this new brood-site mimesis seems to be less attractive to pollinators. As a possible adaptation to the weak attracted pollination strategy, this plant species has a long flowering period and extended lifespan of individual flowers to ensure reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Y B Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - R F Jiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - X F Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - B Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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16
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Serna-Sánchez MA, Pérez-Escobar OA, Bogarín D, Torres-Jimenez MF, Alvarez-Yela AC, Arcila-Galvis JE, Hall CF, de Barros F, Pinheiro F, Dodsworth S, Chase MW, Antonelli A, Arias T. Plastid phylogenomics resolves ambiguous relationships within the orchid family and provides a solid timeframe for biogeography and macroevolution. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6858. [PMID: 33767214 PMCID: PMC7994851 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83664-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent phylogenomic analyses based on the maternally inherited plastid organelle have enlightened evolutionary relationships between the subfamilies of Orchidaceae and most of the tribes. However, uncertainty remains within several subtribes and genera for which phylogenetic relationships have not ever been tested in a phylogenomic context. To address these knowledge-gaps, we here provide the most extensively sampled analysis of the orchid family to date, based on 78 plastid coding genes representing 264 species, 117 genera, 18 tribes and 28 subtribes. Divergence times are also provided as inferred from strict and relaxed molecular clocks and birth-death tree models. Our taxon sampling includes 51 newly sequenced plastid genomes produced by a genome skimming approach. We focus our sampling efforts on previously unplaced clades within tribes Cymbidieae and Epidendreae. Our results confirmed phylogenetic relationships in Orchidaceae as recovered in previous studies, most of which were recovered with maximum support (209 of the 262 tree branches). We provide for the first time a clear phylogenetic placement for Codonorchideae within subfamily Orchidoideae, and Podochilieae and Collabieae within subfamily Epidendroideae. We also identify relationships that have been persistently problematic across multiple studies, regardless of the different details of sampling and genomic datasets used for phylogenetic reconstructions. Our study provides an expanded, robust temporal phylogenomic framework of the Orchidaceae that paves the way for biogeographical and macroevolutionary studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alejandra Serna-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Biología Comparativa, Corporación Para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Cra. 72 A No. 78 B 141, Medellín, Colombia
- Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation, EAFIT University, Cra. 49, No. 7 sur 50, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Diego Bogarín
- Jardín Botánico Lankester, Universidad de Costa Rica, P. O. Box 302-7050, Cartago, Costa Rica
- Endless Forms Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - María Fernanda Torres-Jimenez
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Astrid Catalina Alvarez-Yela
- Centro de Bioinformática y Biología Computacional (BIOS), Ecoparque Los Yarumos Edificio BIOS, Manizales, Colombia
| | - Juliana E Arcila-Galvis
- Laboratorio de Biología Comparativa, Corporación Para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Cra. 72 A No. 78 B 141, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Climbie F Hall
- Instituto de Botânica, Núcleo de Pesquisa Orquídario Do Estado, Postal 68041, São Paulo, SP, 04045-972, Brasil
| | - Fábio de Barros
- Instituto de Botânica, Núcleo de Pesquisa Orquídario Do Estado, Postal 68041, São Paulo, SP, 04045-972, Brasil
| | - Fábio Pinheiro
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Steven Dodsworth
- School of Life Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, University Square, Luton, LU1 3JU, UK
| | | | - Alexandre Antonelli
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London, TW9 3AE, UK
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK
| | - Tatiana Arias
- Laboratorio de Biología Comparativa, Corporación Para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Cra. 72 A No. 78 B 141, Medellín, Colombia.
- Centro de Bioinformática y Biología Computacional (BIOS), Ecoparque Los Yarumos Edificio BIOS, Manizales, Colombia.
- Tecnológico de Antioquia, Calle 78B NO. 72A - 220, Medellín, Colombia.
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17
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Deora T, Ahmed MA, Daniel TL, Brunton BW. Tactile active sensing in an insect plant pollinator. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:jeb.239442. [PMID: 33441388 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.239442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between insects and the flowers they pollinate has driven the evolutionary diversity of both insects and flowering plants, two groups with the most numerous species on Earth. Insects use vision and olfaction to localize host plants, but we know relatively little about how they find the tiny nectary opening in the flower, which can be well beyond their visual resolution. Especially when vision is limited, touch becomes crucial in successful insect-plant pollination interactions. Here, we studied the remarkable feeding behavior of crepuscular hawkmoths Manduca sexta, which use their long, actively controlled, proboscis to expertly explore flower-like surfaces. Using machine vision and 3D-printed artificial flower-like feeders, we revealed a novel behavior that shows moths actively probe surfaces, sweeping their proboscis from the feeder edge to its center repeatedly until they locate the nectary opening. Moreover, naive moths rapidly learn to exploit these flowers, and they adopt a tactile search strategy to more directly locate the nectary opening in as few as three to five consecutive visits. Our results highlight the proboscis as a unique active sensory structure and emphasize the central role of touch in nectar foraging insect-plant pollinator interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvi Deora
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Mahad A Ahmed
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Thomas L Daniel
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Bing W Brunton
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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18
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Johnson SD, Sivechurran J, Doarsamy S, Shuttleworth A. Dung mimicry: the function of volatile emissions and corolla patterning in fly-pollinated Wurmbea flowers. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 228:1662-1673. [PMID: 33460187 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
It has been suggested that flowers of some angiosperms mimic vertebrate faeces (dung) in order to exploit insect pollinators that utilize faeces as a source of food and/or oviposition sites. We investigated a potential case of mimicry in Wurmbea elatior (Colchicaceae), a lily that exhibits a faecal odour and pattern of dark spots on the corolla. We found that W. elatior is pollinated by a broad assemblage of coprophagous flies and is dependent on pollinator visits for seed production. The flowers emit volatiles that are characteristic of vertebrate faeces, and three of these compounds - skatole, indole, and an unidentified compound - elicited electrophysiological antennal responses from flies. Artificial flowers laced with indole and skatole or skatole alone attracted the same assemblage of flies as was recorded on flowers of W. elatior. Spotted artificial flowers attracted twice as many flies as did those lacking spots. Experimental addition of indole and skatole to flowers of Wurmbea kraussii, a congener with unscented flowers pollinated by hoverflies, induced a shift to an insect visitor assemblage dominated by coprophagous flies. This study clarifies the roles of volatile emissions (particularly skatole) and visual signals in floral dung mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Johnson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Post Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa
| | - Jadine Sivechurran
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Post Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa
| | - Sachin Doarsamy
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Post Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa
| | - Adam Shuttleworth
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Post Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa
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19
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Johnson SD, Kiepiel I, Robertson AW. Functional consequences of flower curvature, orientation and perch position for nectar feeding by sunbirds. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Mutualisms between nectarivorous birds and the plants they pollinate are functionally diverse. Nectarivorous birds which hover while feeding (the majority of hummingbirds) tend to have straight bills, while those that perch while feeding (some hummingbirds and almost all passerine nectarivores) tend to have decurved bills. Sunbirds typically use their curved bills to feed in an arc from a perching position and we thus predicted that they would prefer, and feed most efficiently on, flowers that are curved towards a perching position. To test this, we examined the responses of sunbirds to model flowers differing in curvature (straight or curved), orientation (facing upwards or downwards), and availability of a top perch (present or absent). Birds did not show preferences among model flower types in terms of number of landings to feed or number of probes. In general they preferred to use perches above model flowers, particularly those that curved upwards, but they tended to perch below model flowers that curve downwards and in such cases also took the least time to insert their bills. These results are consistent with the idea that perching birds with curved beaks will feed most efficiently from flowers that are curved towards the perching position. We discuss the implications of these results for the evolution of floral architecture, including provision of perches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Johnson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Ian Kiepiel
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Alastair W Robertson
- Wildlife & Ecology, School of Agriculture & Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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20
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Kecskeméti S, Szelényi MO, Erdei AL, Geösel A, Fail J, Molnár BP. Fungal Volatiles as Olfactory Cues for Female Fungus Gnat, Lycoriella ingenua in the Avoidance of Mycelia Colonized Compost. J Chem Ecol 2020; 46:917-926. [PMID: 33026596 PMCID: PMC7547978 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-020-01210-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The chemical signatures emitted by fungal substrates are key components for mycophagous insects in the search for food source or for suitable oviposition sites. These volatiles are usually emitted by the fruiting bodies and mycelia. The volatiles attract fungivorous insects, like flowers attract pollinators; certain flowers mimic the shape of mushroom fruiting bodies and even produce a typical mushroom odor to exploit on fungus-insect mutualism. There are numerous insects which are mycophagous or eat fungi additionally, but only a few are considered a threat in agriculture. Lycoriella ingenua is one of the most serious pests in mushroom cultivation worldwide. Here we attempt to examine the role of environmental volatiles upon behavioral oviposition preference. In two-choice bioassays, fungus gnats preferred uncolonized compost compared to colonized compost but preferred colonized compost against nothing. However, when colonized compost was paired against distilled water, no significant choice was observed. The comparison of fresh casing material and mycelium colonized casing material resulted in no significant preference. From colonized compost headspace, three antennally active volatiles were isolated by gas chromatography coupled with electroantennography and subsequently identified with gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry as 1-hepten-3-ol, 3-octanone and 1-octen-3-ol. In behavioral assays the addition of said synthetic volatiles to uncolonized compost separately and in combination to mimic colonized compost resulted in avoidance. We thus partially elucidate the role of fungal volatiles in the habitat seeking behavior of Lycoriella ingenua.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Kecskeméti
- Department of Vegetable and Mushroom Growing, Institute of Sustainable Horticulture, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Zoology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Entomology, Plant Protection Institute, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Magdolna Olívia Szelényi
- Department of Zoology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Laura Erdei
- Department of Zoology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Geösel
- Department of Vegetable and Mushroom Growing, Institute of Sustainable Horticulture, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - József Fail
- Department of Entomology, Plant Protection Institute, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Péter Molnár
- Department of Zoology, Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary.
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Martel C, Neubig KM, Williams NH, Ayasse M. The uncinate viscidium and floral setae, an evolutionary innovation and exaptation to increase pollination success in the Telipogon alliance (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae). ORG DIVERS EVOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13127-020-00457-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C. Gaskett
- School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand (Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora, Te Whare Wānanga o Tāmaki Makaurau, Tāmaki, Aotearoa)
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Gong WC, Xu SJ, Liu YH, Wang CM, Martin K, Meng LZ. Chemical composition of floral scents from three Plumeria rubra L. (Apocynaceae) forms linked to petal color proprieties. BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Holighaus G, Rohlfs M. Volatile and non-volatile fungal oxylipins in fungus-invertebrate interactions. FUNGAL ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Walker M, Humphries S. 3D Printing: Applications in evolution and ecology. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:4289-4301. [PMID: 31016005 PMCID: PMC6468079 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the commercial and medical sectors, 3D printing is delivering on its promise to enable a revolution. However, in the fields of Ecology and Evolution we are only on the brink of embracing the advantages that 3D printing can offer. Here we discuss examples where the process has enabled researchers to develop new techniques, work with novel species, and to enhance the impact of outreach activities. Our aim is to showcase the potential that 3D printing offers in terms of improved experimental techniques, greater flexibility, reduced costs and promoting open science, while also discussing its limitations. By taking a general overview of studies using the technique from fields across the broad range of Ecology and Evolution, we show the flexibility of 3D printing technology and aim to inspire the next generation of discoveries.
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Schlüter PM. The magic of flowers or: speciation genes and where to find them. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2018; 105:1957-1961. [PMID: 30462832 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp M Schlüter
- Institute of Botany, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, D-70599, Stuttgart, Germany
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Behm JE, Waite BR, Hsieh ST, Helmus MR. Benefits and limitations of three-dimensional printing technology for ecological research. BMC Ecol 2018; 18:32. [PMID: 30200934 PMCID: PMC6131837 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-018-0190-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ecological research often involves sampling and manipulating non-model organisms that reside in heterogeneous environments. As such, ecologists often adapt techniques and ideas from industry and other scientific fields to design and build equipment, tools, and experimental contraptions custom-made for the ecological systems under study. Three-dimensional (3D) printing provides a way to rapidly produce identical and novel objects that could be used in ecological studies, yet ecologists have been slow to adopt this new technology. Here, we provide ecologists with an introduction to 3D printing. RESULTS First, we give an overview of the ecological research areas in which 3D printing is predicted to be the most impactful and review current studies that have already used 3D printed objects. We then outline a methodological workflow for integrating 3D printing into an ecological research program and give a detailed example of a successful implementation of our 3D printing workflow for 3D printed models of the brown anole, Anolis sagrei, for a field predation study. After testing two print media in the field, we show that the models printed from the less expensive and more sustainable material (blend of 70% plastic and 30% recycled wood fiber) were just as durable and had equal predator attack rates as the more expensive material (100% virgin plastic). CONCLUSIONS Overall, 3D printing can provide time and cost savings to ecologists, and with recent advances in less toxic, biodegradable, and recyclable print materials, ecologists can choose to minimize social and environmental impacts associated with 3D printing. The main hurdles for implementing 3D printing-availability of resources like printers, scanners, and software, as well as reaching proficiency in using 3D image software-may be easier to overcome at institutions with digital imaging centers run by knowledgeable staff. As with any new technology, the benefits of 3D printing are specific to a particular project, and ecologists must consider the investments of developing usable 3D materials for research versus other methods of generating those materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn E Behm
- Integrative Ecology Lab, Center for Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Department of Ecological Science-Animal Ecology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Brenna R Waite
- Integrative Ecology Lab, Center for Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - S Tonia Hsieh
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Matthew R Helmus
- Integrative Ecology Lab, Center for Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Mochizuki K, Kawakita A. Pollination by fungus gnats and associated floral characteristics in five families of the Japanese flora. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2018; 121:651-663. [PMID: 29300811 PMCID: PMC5853022 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcx196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Pollination by fungus gnats (Mycetophilidae and Sciaridae) is uncommon, but is nevertheless known to occur in 20 genera among eight angiosperm families. Because many fungus gnat-pollinated plants possess a dark red floral display, we hypothesized that fungus gnat pollination is more widespread among plants with similar floral display than currently known. We thus studied the pollination biology of flowers with dark red pigmentation in five families, focusing particularly on plants having small, flat, actinomorphic flowers with exposed nectaries and short stamens, because these floral characteristics mirror those of a known fungus gnat-pollinated genus (Mitella). METHODS We observed daytime and night-time floral visitors for a total of 194.5 h in Aucuba japonica (Garryaceae), Euonymus spp. (Celastraceae), Disanthus cercidifolius (Hamamelidaceae), Micranthes fusca (Saxifragaceae) and Streptopus streptopoides (Liliaceae). Visitors were categorized into functional groups, and a pollination importance index (PII) was calculated for each functional group based on visitation frequency, pollen load and behaviour on flowers. KEY RESULTS Fungus gnats were dominant among the 1762 insects observed (36-92 % depending on the plant species) and were the most important pollinators among all plants studied (PII: 0.529-1). Fungus gnat visits occurred during the daytime and, more frequently, at dusk. Most often, pollen grains became clumped on the ventral side of the head and/or thorax as the short-proboscid fungus gnats foraged on nectar and came into contact with anthers located close to the flower base. CONCLUSIONS Pollination by fungus gnats is probably more common than previously thought, especially in habitats similar to those of the plants studied (moist forest understorey, streamside or subalpine meadow) where fungus gnats are abundant year-round. Our results further suggest that there may be a previously unnoticed association between fungus gnat pollination and dark red coloration, and a shared overall floral architecture among the plants studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko Mochizuki
- Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
- For correspondence. E-mail:
| | - Atsushi Kawakita
- Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
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Takahashi D, Teramine T, Sakaguchi S, Setoguchi H. Relative contributions of neutral and non-neutral processes to clinal variation in calyx lobe length in the series Sakawanum (Asarum: Aristolochiaceae). ANNALS OF BOTANY 2018; 121:37-46. [PMID: 29186343 PMCID: PMC5786219 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcx122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aims Clines, the gradual variation in measurable traits along a geographical axis, play a major role in evolution and can contribute to our understanding of the relative roles of selective and neutral process in trait variation. Using genetic and morphological analyses, the relative contributions of neutral and non-neutral processes were explored to infer the evolutionary history of species of the series Sakawanum (genus Asarum), which shows significant clinal variation in calyx lobe length. Methods A total of 27 populations covering the natural geographical distribution of the series Sakawanum were sampled. Six nuclear microsatellite markers were used to investigate genetic structure and genetic diversity. The lengths of calyx lobes of multiple populations were measured to quantify their geographical and taxonomic differentiation. To detect the potential impact of selective pressure, morphological differentiation was compared with genetic differentiation (QCT-FST comparison). Key Results Average calyx lobe length of A. minamitanianum was 124.11 mm, while that of A. costatum was 13.80 mm. Though gradually changing along the geographical axis within series, calyx lobe lengths were significantly differentiated among the taxa. Genetic differentiation between taxa was low (FST = 0.099), but a significant geographical structure along the morphological cline was detected. Except for one taxon pair, pairwise QCT values were significantly higher than the neutral genetic measures of FST and G'ST. Conclusions Divergent selection may have driven the calyx lobe length variation in series Sakawanum taxa, although the underlying mechanism is still not clear. The low genetic differentiation indicates recent divergence and/or gene flows between geographically close taxa. These neutral processes would also affect the clinal variation in calyx lobe lengths. Overall, this study implies the roles of population history and divergent selection in shaping the current cline of a flower trait in the series Sakawanum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Takahashi
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Nihonmatsu, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Shota Sakaguchi
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Nihonmatsu, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Setoguchi
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Nihonmatsu, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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In situ modeling of multimodal floral cues attracting wild pollinators across environments. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:13218-13223. [PMID: 29180408 PMCID: PMC5740637 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1714414114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The coeveolution of flowers and pollinators is well known, but how generalist pollinators identify suitable flowers across environments and flower species is not well understood. Hoverflies, which are found across the globe, are one of the most important alternative pollinators after bees and bumblebees. Here we measured, predicted, and finally recreated multimodal cues from individual flowers visited by hoverflies in three different environments (hemiboreal, alpine, and tropical). We found that although “flower signatures” were unique for each environment, some cues were ubiquitously attractive, despite not resembling cue combinations from real flowers. Our results provide unique insights into how a cosmopolitan pollinator identifies flower objects across environments, which has important implications for our understanding of pollination as a global ecological service. With more than 80% of flowering plant species specialized for animal pollination, understanding how wild pollinators utilize resources across environments can encourage efficient planting and maintenance strategies to maximize pollination and establish resilience in the face of environmental change. A fundamental question is how generalist pollinators recognize “flower objects” in vastly different ecologies and environments. On one hand, pollinators could employ a specific set of floral cues regardless of environment. Alternatively, wild pollinators could recognize an exclusive signature of cues unique to each environment or flower species. Hoverflies, which are found across the globe, are one of the most ecologically important alternative pollinators after bees and bumblebees. Here, we have exploited their cosmopolitan status to understand how wild pollinator preferences change across different continents. Without employing any a priori assumptions concerning the floral cues, we measured, predicted, and finally artificially recreated multimodal cues from individual flowers visited by hoverflies in three different environments (hemiboreal, alpine, and tropical) using a field-based methodology. We found that although “flower signatures” were unique for each environment, some multimodal lures were ubiquitously attractive, despite not carrying any reward, or resembling real flowers. While it was unexpected that cue combinations found in real flowers were not necessary, the robustness of our lures across insect species and ecologies could reflect a general strategy of resource identification for generalist pollinators. Our results provide insights into how cosmopolitan pollinators such as hoverflies identify flowers and offer specific ecologically based cues and strategies for attracting pollinators across diverse environments.
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Wong DCJ, Pichersky E, Peakall R. The Biosynthesis of Unusual Floral Volatiles and Blends Involved in Orchid Pollination by Deception: Current Progress and Future Prospects. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1955. [PMID: 29181016 PMCID: PMC5693887 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Flowers have evolved diverse strategies to attract animal pollinators, with visual and olfactory floral cues often crucial for pollinator attraction. While most plants provide reward (e.g., nectar, pollen) in return for the service of pollination, 1000s of plant species, particularly in the orchid family, offer no apparent reward. Instead, they exploit their often specific pollinators (one or few) by mimicking signals of female insects, food source, and oviposition sites, among others. A full understanding of how these deceptive pollination strategies evolve and persist remains an open question. Nonetheless, there is growing evidence that unique blends that often contain unusual compounds in floral volatile constituents are often employed to secure pollination by deception. Thus, the ability of plants to rapidly evolve new pathways for synthesizing floral volatiles may hold the key to the widespread evolution of deceptive pollination. Yet, until now the biosynthesis of these volatile compounds has been largely neglected. While elucidating the biosynthesis in non-model systems is challenging, nonetheless, these cases may also offer untapped potential for biosynthetic breakthroughs given that some of the compounds can be exclusive or dominant components of the floral scent and production is often tissue-specific. In this perspective article, we first highlight the chemical diversity underpinning some of the more widespread deceptive orchid pollination strategies. Next, we explore the potential metabolic pathways and biosynthetic steps that might be involved. Finally, we offer recommendations to accelerate the discovery of the biochemical pathways in these challenging but intriguing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren C. J. Wong
- Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Eran Pichersky
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Rod Peakall
- Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Qu H, Seifan T, Seifan M. Effects of plant and pollinator traits on the maintenance of a food deceptive species within a plant community. OIKOS 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.04268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hongchun Qu
- Division of Theoretical Research for Complex Systems, Key Laboratory of Industrial IOT and Networked Control (Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications), Ministry of Education; CN-400065 Chongqing PR China
| | | | - Merav Seifan
- Mitrani Dept of Desert Ecology, Swiss Inst. for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, and: Jacob Blaustein Inst. for Desert Research, Ben Gurion Univ. of the Negev; IL-8499000 Midresher Ben-Gurion Israel
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Phillips RD, Brown GR, Dixon KW, Hayes C, Linde CC, Peakall R. Evolutionary relationships among pollinators and repeated pollinator sharing in sexually deceptive orchids. J Evol Biol 2017; 30:1674-1691. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R. D. Phillips
- Ecology and Evolution; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; The Botanic Garden and Parks Authority; West Perth WA Australia
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Nedlands WA Australia
| | - G. R. Brown
- Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory; Darwin NT Australia
- Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods; Charles Darwin University; Darwin NT Australia
| | - K. W. Dixon
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden; The Botanic Garden and Parks Authority; West Perth WA Australia
- School of Plant Biology; The University of Western Australia; Nedlands WA Australia
- Department of Agriculture and Environment; Curtin University; Perth WA Australia
| | - C. Hayes
- Ecology and Evolution; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
| | - C. C. Linde
- Ecology and Evolution; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
| | - R. Peakall
- Ecology and Evolution; Research School of Biology; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
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Segraves KA. The effects of genome duplications in a community context. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2017; 215:57-69. [PMID: 28418074 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Contents 57 I. 57 II. 59 III. 59 IV. 63 V. 64 VI. 64 VII. 66 66 References 66 SUMMARY: Whole-genome duplication (WGD), or polyploidy, has important effects on the genotype and phenotype of plants, potentially altering ecological interactions with other organisms. Even though the connections between polyploidy and species interactions have been recognized for some time, we are only just beginning to test whether WGD affects community context. Here I review the sparse information on polyploidy and community context and then present a set of hypotheses for future work. Thus far, community-level studies of polyploids suggest an array of outcomes, from no changes in community context to shifts in the abundance and composition of interacting species. I propose a number of mechanisms for how WGD could alter community context and how the emergence of polyploids in populations could also alter the community context of parental diploids and other plant species. Resolving how and when these changes are expected to occur will require a deeper understanding of the connections among WGD, phenotypic changes, and the direct and indirect effects of species interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari A Segraves
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
- Archbold Biological Station, Venus, FL, 33960, USA
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Jana C. Vamosi. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2017; 214:19-20. [PMID: 28239891 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
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Borghi M, Fernie AR, Schiestl FP, Bouwmeester HJ. The Sexual Advantage of Looking, Smelling, and Tasting Good: The Metabolic Network that Produces Signals for Pollinators. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 22:338-350. [PMID: 28111171 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A striking feature of the angiosperms that use animals as pollen carriers to sexually reproduce is the great diversity of their flowers with regard to morphology and traits such as color, odor, and nectar. These traits are underpinned by the synthesis of secondary metabolites such as pigments and volatiles, as well as carbohydrates and amino acids, which are used by plants to lure and reward animal pollinators. We review here the knowledge of the metabolic network that supports the biosynthesis of these compounds and the behavioral responses that these molecules elicit in the animal pollinators. Such knowledge provides us with a deeper insight into the ecology and evolution of plant-pollinator interactions, and should help us to better manage these ecologically essential interactions in agricultural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Borghi
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Florian P Schiestl
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zürich, Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zürich
| | - Harro J Bouwmeester
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands; Present address: Plant Hormone Biology group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Svensson GP, Raguso RA, Flatz R, Smith CI. Floral scent of Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia sensu lato): Divergence in scent profiles between species but breakdown of signal integrity in a narrow hybrid zone. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2016; 103:1793-1802. [PMID: 27578627 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.1600033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY The role of floral scent in facilitating reproductive isolation between closely related plants remains poorly understood. Yucca brevifolia and Yucca jaegeriana are pollinated by different moth species in allopatry, but in a narrow contact zone, pollinator-host specificity breaks down, resulting in hybridization between species. We explored the chemical basis for reproductive isolation and hybridization in these Joshua trees by characterizing the floral scent of each species in allopatry, analyzing scent profiles from trees in the contact zone, and matching these data with genotypic and phenotypic data. METHODS We analyzed floral volatiles using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, tested for species divergence of scent profiles and classified trees in the contact zone as hybrid or either parental species. We used floral and vegetative morphological data and genotypic data to classify trees and analyzed whether certain trait combinations were more correlated than others with respect to assignment of trees and whether frequencies of classified tree types differed depending on which data set was used. KEY RESULTS The Joshua tree floral scent included oxygenated 8-carbon compounds not reported for other yuccas. The two species differed (P < 0.001) in scent profiles. In the contact zone, many hybrids were found, and phenotypic traits were generally weakly correlated, which may be explained by extensive gene flow between species or by exposure to different selection pressures. CONCLUSIONS Although the two Joshua tree species produce distinct floral scent profiles, it is insufficient to prevent attraction of associated pollinators to both hosts. Instead, floral morphology may be the key trait mediating gene flow between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn P Svensson
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Solvegatan 37, SE-22362 Lund Sweden
| | - Robert A Raguso
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, 215 Tower Road, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853 USA
| | - Ramona Flatz
- Department of Biology, Willamette University, 900 State Street, Salem, Oregon 97301 USA
| | - Christopher I Smith
- Department of Biology, Willamette University, 900 State Street, Salem, Oregon 97301 USA
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