Breeding System and Pollination Biology of Goodyera foliosa (Orchidaceae)

Abstract:

In order to understand the breeding system and pollination mechanism of Goodyera foliosa, the floral phenology, pollen viability and stigma receptivity, artificial pollination, volatile components, insect pollination behavior were studied. Goodyera foliosa has yellow lip, white or white with brown sepal. The results showed that the mean anthesis of single flower was 9 days. The pollen was active at the first days after flowering (60%), stigma had receptivity at the second day after flowering, and all of them reached peak at the fifth day. The natural seed set rate was 43.3%, while emasculation by bagging or not emasculation by bagging could not fruit setting. The seed setting rate of illegitimate pollination, cross pollination within plant or plants was 93.3%, 95.0% and 96.7%, respectively. 1-Octen-3-ol, 3-octanol and N,N-dimethylformamide was major volatile components in flowers of G. foliosa. Apis cerana was the efficient pollinator of G. foliosa. Therefore, it was suggested that G. foliosa had self-compatible capability, but not automatic self-cross phenomenon, and it must dependent on pollinator Apis cerana, the flower color and floral scent are main factors for attracting pollinators.

Key words:Goodyera foliosa;Breeding system;Pollination biology