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Pollination Biology of Oenothera (Onagraceae). The Interplay between Floral UV‐Absorbancy Patterns and Floral Volatiles as Signals to Nocturnal Insects
Author(s) -
KAWAANO SHOICHI,
ODAKI MEGUMI,
YAMAOKA RYOHEI,
ODATANABE MINORI,
TAKEUCHI MASATOSHI,
KAWANO NOBUHIRO
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
plant species biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.419
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1442-1984
pISSN - 0913-557X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-1984.1995.tb00118.x
Subject(s) - biology , onagraceae , botany , oenothera , pollination , pollinator , attraction , pollen , linguistics , philosophy
Floral volatiles of two introduced Oenothera species, Oe. glazioviana (= Oe. erythrosepala ) and Oe. biennis , were chemically examined using the headspace method. As a result, linalool, one of the monoterpenes, was found to be the main constitutent of floral volatiles, with several other undetermined substances. Visual signals of these two Oenothera species were the same, with a strong UV‐absorbent spot in the center of the corollas. Large nocturnal hawkmoth species such as Theretra japonica, Agrius convolvuli , and Deilephila elphenor lewisil are major pollinators for these two Oenothera species. An interplay between floral UV‐absorbancy patterns as visual signals and floral volatiles released seems to be playing a significant role in pollinator attraction. Nectar utilization and the breeding system of Oe. glazioviana were also examined.