Archives of Biological Sciences 2014 Volume 66, Issue 3, Pages: 989-998
https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS1403989B
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The chemical composition of the floral extract of Epipogium aphyllum sw. (Orchidaceae): A clue for their pollination biology
Jakubska-Busse Anna (University of Wrocław, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Biodiversity and Plant Cover Protection, Wrocław, Poland)
Jasicka-Misiak Izabela (Opole University, Faculty of Chemistry, Opole, Poland)
Poliwoda Anna (Opole University, Faculty of Chemistry, Opole, Poland)
Święczkowska Emilia (University of Gdańsk, Department of Plant Taxonomy and Nature Conservation, Gdańsk, Poland)
Kafarski Paweł (Opole University, Faculty of Chemistry, Opole, Poland)
Epipogium aphyllum is a rare European obligate mycoheterotrophic orchid
lacking chlorophyll. It has not been studied previously with respect to
pollination biology. We studied the association between the composition of
floral scent emission and its pollination systems. Field observation
indicates that the main pollinators of Epipogium aphyllum are representatives
of the genus Bombus (Hymenoptera), B. lucorum, B. hortorum, B. terrestris, B.
pascuorum and B. proteus, and the genus Apis (Hymenoptera) namely A.
mellifera. The main potential vector (observed to accidentally carry pollen),
is most likely Episyrphus balteatus (Diptera, Syrphidae). The chemical
composition of the floral extracts of 4 populations of Epipogium aphyllum Sw.
growing naturally in Poland and the Czech Republic was examined by gas
chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance
liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and electrospray
ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) techniques. According to GC-MS
analysis, 9-tricosene, nonadecane, 1-nonadecene and nonacosane predominated
in the floral extracts. The studied samples were also characterized by
relatively high amounts of benzenoids, e.g. methyl cinnamate, which is known
as an attractant to the males of various orchid bees. LC-ESI-MS revealed the
presence of flavor compounds such as vanillin
(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) and its derivative acetovanillone, together
with higher amounts of aliphatic and phenolic acids. Additionally, we
detected the presence of indole and morphine derivatives.
Keywords: Epipogium aphyllum, floral extract, pollination strategy