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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Floral biology and histochemical analysis of Vanilla edwallii Hoehne (Orchidaceae: Vanilloideae): an orchid pollinated by Epicharis (Apidae: Centridini)

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Author(s):
Pansarin, Emerson R. [1] ; Aguiar, Joao M. R. B. V. [1] ; Pansarin, Ludmila M. [2]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Philosophy Sci & Letters Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Ecol, Biosci Inst, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLANT SPECIES BIOLOGY; v. 29, n. 3, p. 242-252, SEP 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 10
Abstract

The genus Vanilla is the most diverse in Vanilloideae, with ca 90 species distributed among tropical regions. Despite their economic importance, studies on pollination of Vanilla are very scarce and data on pollinators of species endemic to Brazil are lacking. Based on fieldwork and laboratory investigations, the floral biology of V. edwallii was studied. The pollinators and pollination process were recorded at the Serra do Japi reserve, state of Sao Paulo, southeastern Brazil, and the presence of floral reward was also investigated. Vanilla edwallii blooms in summer. The lateral inflorescences produce up to four pale green flowers. The white labellum is united to the base of the column forming a mentum. In the studied population V. edwallii is pollinated by Epicharis (Hoplepicharis) affinis, where the males exhibit a territorial behavior, defending flowers from other possible flower visitors. The pollen is deposited on the scutellum of bees when they abandon the flower. The mentum region is dry, suggesting no nectar production. The only secretory structures are osmophores dispersed on the inner surface of the lip responsible for production of a sweet fragrance, which together with color and morphology of flowers is related to bee attraction. The labellum is rich in mucilaginous cells, while the mucilaginous substance is retained inside the cells. The histochemical analysis also detected the presence of phenolic compounds and starch concentrated mainly at the adaxial surface of the lip and around the vascular bundles. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 07/07445-7 - Evolution of pollination systems of American Vanilloideae (Orchidaceae)
Grantee:Emerson Ricardo Pansarin
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants