The biosynthesis and evolution of novel semiochemicals in orchids

该项目旨在发现新的酶和基因，解锁生产有用化学物质的新工具。许多植物通过吸引动物传粉来确保授粉。这些关键的相互作用是如何进化的仍然是个谜。澳大利亚是性欺骗授粉的世界中心，数百种兰花使用新颖的符号化学物质来性吸引特定的传粉者。在这项研究中，我们的目标是：表征这些独特的半化学物质的生物合成途径和分子基础；用稳健的兰花系统发育研究物种形成过程；并揭示了动物授粉进化的新见解。这也应该会带来更好的设计选择，以管理濒危兰花和发展有弹性的兰花种群。

This project aims to discover new enzymes and genes, unlocking new tools for producing useful chemicals. Many plants secure pollination by attracting animal pollinators. How these crucial interactions evolved remains a mystery. Australia is a world centre for pollination by sexual deception in which hundreds of orchids use novel semiochemicals to sexually attract specific pollinators. In this study we aim to: characterise the biosynthetic pathway and molecular basis of these unique semiochemicals; investigate speciation processes with robust orchid phylogenies; and reveal new insights into the evolution of animal pollination. This should also lead to better design options for managing endangered orchids and developing resilient populations.