Dissertation Research: Floral Scent, Pollinator Attraction, and Herbivore Avoidance

昆虫面临着在复杂的气味环境中定位宿主的挑战。 植物面临的挑战是试图吸引传粉者，同时阻止食草动物。 虽然这种困境可能相当普遍，但很少进行调查。 通过分析化学和实地研究相结合的成分的气味混合的小蓟，加拿大蓟，重要的昆虫吸引力将进行调查，并通过修改花卉挥发性排放，以避免吸引有害昆虫的机制将被确定。 C.阿文斯在许多方面都非常适合这项研究。由于它是雌雄异株的，气味，可以作为一个长距离的引诱传粉者，成为至关重要的，以扩大其分布。 此外，有益和有害的访花者对两性有不同的选择压力。 初步数据表明，雄性和雌性植物之间的昆虫访问和气味的差异。

Insects face the challenge of locating hosts in a complex odor landscape. Plants face the challenge of trying to lure pollinators while, simultaneously, deterring herbivores. Although this predicament may be quite common, it has rarely been investigated. Through a combination of analytical chemistry and field research the components of the scent blend of Cirsium arvense, Canada thistle, important for insect attraction will be investigated, and mechanisms by which floral volatile emissions are modified to avoid attracting detrimental insects will be identified. C. arvense is in many ways well suited for this study. Because it is dioecious, scent, which can act as a long distance attractant for pollinators, becomes paramount to extending its distribution. Additionally there are distinct selection pressures on the two sexes by beneficial and detrimental floral visitors. Preliminary data demonstrates a difference in both insect visitation and scent between male and female plants.