Chemosystematics and Pollination of Gongora (Orchidaceae)

佛罗里达大学的威廉姆斯和德雷斯勒博士， 他们在厄瓜多尔的同事将研究 贡戈拉兰花物种和它们的本地传粉者， 优舌碱组。 研究将包括气体分析- 植物化学的色谱和质谱分析 兰花发出的香味，作为吸引人的线索 传粉者的生活。 在热带地区的田间试验设计 为了测试兰花品种是否能产生 只吸引特定授粉蜜蜂的香味，或者 花的气味是否具有“多面手”的功能， 许多不同的传粉者。 结果将是重要的， 了解生殖隔离障碍的演变 在兰花物种之间，并确定化学物质的范围， 引导昆虫行为的线索

Drs. Williams and Dressler at the University of Florida and their colleagues in Ecuador will study the interaction between Gongora orchid species and their native pollinators, bees of the euglossine group. The study will include analysis by gas- chromatography and mass-spectrometry of the chemistry of floral fragrances emitted by the orchids, which serve as attracting cues for pollinators. Field experiments in the tropics are designed to test whether orchid species produce diagnostic floral fragrances that attract only particular pollinating bees, or whether floral odors serve a "generalist" function, attracting many different pollinators. The results will be important in understanding the evolution of reproductive isolating barriers among orchid species and in determining the range of chemical cues that orient insect behaviors.