v13i2.329

ISSN: 1800-427X (printed)
eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v13i2.329

Submitted date: 15 October 2022
Accepted date: 15 October 2024
Published date: 30 November 2024
Pp. 39–47.

ARE VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS THE SECRET TO VISITATIONS BY POLLINATORS IN THE FOOD DECEPTIVE ORCHID Vanda tessellata (ROXB.) HOOK. EX G. DON. (ORCHIDACEAE)?

R.S. Gunasekara*, K. Yakandawala, S. Jayakody, D.S.A. Wijesundara, R.M. Dharmadasa & W.A.I.P. Karunaratne
*Corresponding author. E-mail: kvrsgunasekara@wyb.ac.lk

Abstract
Vanda tessellata is an indigenous, endangered, and protected orchid species with a wide range of flower variations in Sri Lanka. The plant has high ornamental and medicinal values and therefore faces serious threats due to over-exploitation and habitat destruction. Thus, sound knowledge of pollination biology is important in the conservation and propagation of the species. The current study investigates the diurnal and nocturnal pattern of pollinators’ behaviour with the volatile fragrance profile of V. tessellata. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out to identify the odour profile. The detailed GC-MS results produce 65 peaks of 36 volatile compounds. The diurnal pollinator, Xylocopa tenuiscapa (order Hymenoptera) and the nocturnal pollinator, Daphnis nerii (order Lepidoptera) visitations to V. tessellata flowers and the intensity of floral odours were well correlated proving the ability of V. Tesselatta flowers to attract both diurnal and nocturnal pollinators for successful cross-pollination.

Key words : Orchid, fragrance, odoriferous compounds, pollination

Section Editor: F.S. Robustelli della Cuna