Following the Pollinators

Bog orchids are hybridizing naturally in the wild even though there are multiple barriers that should prevent this process from occurring, says Dr. Jasmine Janes, a VIU Biology Professor, who is researching the phenomenon. A hybrid is the result of cross pollination between two different species or varieties, which creates a new plant with different qualities and traits. “According to various species concepts, hybridization shouldn’t be happening, or it should be very rare,” explains Janes. “Orchids often have very specific pollinators – one type of pollinator is suited to one type of orchid so it should only pollinate that particular species.” Janes’ research could help in developing tailored management and conservation efforts for terrestrial orchids, which are considered sensitive species because of their relationships with both insects and fungi. It will also allow scientists to better understand the process of evolution – where new species arise – and how the addition and/or loss of a species can impact ecosystems. For example, hybrids are usually a mixture of traits from their parents. Those parents attract certain pollinators and the hybrid may be better or worse at attracting those pollinators, which could result in ecosystem-level changes because of the new “player” in the system. Janes is studying bog orchids to determine how the barriers to reproduction between species are being bypassed at each stage, such as tracking pollinators and the beneficial relationships with different fungal species. She’ll use camera equipment to monitor the species and is using different coloured dyes, injected into the pollen sacks, to help determine how far pollinators move pollen and how often it is moved to a different orchid species. Janes was awarded a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant and will receive $28,000 a year over five years to help fund her research. “These awards are considered the gold standard in Canada when you’re doing scientific research, and without the financial support of NSERC, I wouldn’t be able undertake this project,” says Janes. 

VIU Biology Professor