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，在试图引诱传粉者的同时，阻止食草动物。尽管这种困境可能相当常见，但很少有人对其进行调查。通过分析化学和实地研究相结合的方法，将研究对吸引昆虫很重要的加拿大蓟香气混合物的成分，并将确定花的挥发性排放被修改以避免吸引有害昆虫的机制。C.arvense在很多方面都很适合这项研究。因为它是雌雄异株的，气味可以作为传粉者的长距离引诱剂，成为扩大其分布的首要因素。此外，有益和有害的花卉访客对两性都有明显的选择压力。初步数据显示，雄株和雌株在昆虫访问和气味方面都存在差异。

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.