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This study presents an updated analysis of cytogenetic data for several species within the 40,42-chromosome genera of the subtribe Orchidinae. The research includes insights into the distribution of heterochromatin obtained using C-banding and fluorochrome techniques. Our investigation confirmed variation in the distribution of heterochromatin and repetitive DNA sequences among species pertaining to Neotinea s.l. and Orchis s.str. These variations also potentially contribute to the diversification of these species. Cytogenetic analyses of the Neotinea group demonstrated that both H33258 and DAPI staining result in blocks of fluorescent regions on numerous chromosomes. Particular attention was paid to the cytological composition of the polyploid Neotinea commutata, focusing on its potential origin. Based on the karyological results acquired, a hypothesis concerning the origin of N. commutata is proposed. The most noteworthy revelations regard the O. mascula complex. In these species, the telomeric areas of all chromosome sets display extensive heterochromatin. Fluorochrome staining revealed telomeric blocks on many chromosomes that were not seen with Giemsa staining. This highlighted a distinct feature of O. mascula, where particularly large C-bands surrounding the centromeric regions of multiple chromosomes were found. However, in O. mascula, O. provincialis, O. pauciflora, and O. patens, C+ chromatin may not show a significant response to fluorochrome Hoechst or DAPI+ staining. The unique cytomorphological arrangement observed in the O. mascula species, unlike other members of the O. mascula complex, suggest epigenetic phenomena. Additional data are presented for the genera Dactylorhiza and Gymnadenia. A deeper understanding of the diversity of chromosomal structures among these orchids promises to shed light on the mechanisms underlying speciation, adaptation, and the remarkable diversity characteristic of the Orchidaceae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Containing the largest number of species, the orchid family provides not only materials for studying plant evolution and environmental adaptation, but economically and culturally important ornamental plants for human society. Previously, we collected genome and transcriptome information of Dendrobium catenatum, Phalaenopsis equestris, and Apostasia shenzhenica which belong to two different subfamilies of Orchidaceae, and developed user-friendly tools to explore the orchid genetic sequences in the OrchidBase 4.0. The OrchidBase 4.0 offers the opportunity for plant science community to compare orchid genomes and transcriptomes and retrieve orchid sequences for further study. In the year 2022, two whole-genome sequences of Orchidoideae species, Platanthera zijinensis and Platanthera guangdongensis, were de novo sequenced, assembled and analyzed. In addition, systemic transcriptomes from these two species were also established. Therefore, we included these datasets to develop the new version of OrchidBase 5.0. In addition, three new functions including synteny, gene order, and miRNA information were also developed for orchid genome comparisons and miRNA characterization. OrchidBase 5.0 extended the genetic information to three orchid subfamilies (including five orchid species) and provided new tools for orchid researchers to analyze orchid genomes and transcriptomes. The online resources can be accessed at https://cosbi.ee.ncku.edu.tw/orchidbase5/

Mosquitoes are important vectors of disease and require sources of carbohydrates for reproduction and survival. Unlike host-related behaviors of mosquitoes, comparatively less is understood about the mechanisms involved in nectar-feeding decisions, or how this sensory information is processed in the mosquito brain. Here we show that Aedes spp. mosquitoes, including Aedes aegypti, are effective pollinators of the Platanthera obtusata orchid, and demonstrate this mutualism is mediated by the orchid's scent and the balance of excitation and inhibition in the mosquito's antennal lobe (AL). The P. obtusata orchid emits an attractive, nonanal-rich scent, whereas related Platanthera species-not visited by mosquitoes-emit scents dominated by lilac aldehyde. Calcium imaging experiments in the mosquito AL revealed that nonanal and lilac aldehyde each respectively activate the LC2 and AM2 glomerulus, and remarkably, the AM2 glomerulus is also sensitive to N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), a mosquito repellent. Lateral inhibition between these 2 glomeruli reflects the level of attraction to the orchid scents. Whereas the enriched nonanal scent of P. obtusata activates the LC2 and suppresses AM2, the high level of lilac aldehyde in the other orchid scents inverts this pattern of glomerular activity, and behavioral attraction is lost. These results demonstrate the ecological importance of mosquitoes beyond operating as disease vectors and open the door toward understanding the neural basis of mosquito nectar-seeking behaviors.

Natural hybridization between closely related species in sympatry is an evolutionary process that is common in orchids. Once seen as a threat to parent species, interspecific genetic change is increasingly viewed as a source of novel variation in some ecological contexts. Terrestrial fringed orchids in the genus Platanthera contain several clades with high genetic compatibility among species and many putative hybrids. We used biallelic SNPs generated with 3RAD sequencing to study the hybrid complex formed from the parent species P. blephariglottis, P. ciliaris, and P. cristata with high resolution. The genetic structure and phylogenetic relationship of the hybrid complex revealed site-dependent gene flow between species. We documented extensive hybridization and cryptic hybrids in sympatric sites. Interspecific genetic exchange is particularly common between P. blephariglottis and P. ciliaris, with cryptic hybrids among putative P. ciliaris samples being more common than parental assignments in sympatric sites. Hybridization across the triad species complex can reticulate lineages and introduce adaptive alleles. Conversely, it can reduce diversification rates and introduce maladaptive alleles. Investigation into whether anthropogenic forces are eroding species boundaries, particularly the permeable P. blephariglottis and P. ciliaris boundary, is appropriate for conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of numerous own observations, occasionally with information from third parties and with selected information from relevant literature, all orchid species of the island of Krk mentioned or recorded so far are described in detail. The basis for this is more than 2,000 entries of documented occurrences on the island of Krk, which were taken from our „data treasure“ with more than 12,000 entries on the orchid flora of the northeastern Adriatic (period of the years 1999 to 2022). The distribution maps, also based mainly on our own data, were supplemented by reports of findings in the Flora of Istria and, in some cases, with information from the Flora Croatica Database, thus providing an almost complete representation of the currently known distribution picture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Containing the largest number of species, the orchid family provides not only materials for studying plant evolution and environmental adaptation, but economically and culturally important ornamental plants for human society. Previously, we collected genome and transcriptome information of Dendrobium catenatum, Phalaenopsis equestris, and Apostasia shenzhenica which belong to two different subfamilies of Orchidaceae, and developed user-friendly tools to explore the orchid genetic sequences in the OrchidBase 4.0. The OrchidBase 4.0 offers the opportunity for plant science community to compare orchid genomes and transcriptomes and retrieve orchid sequences for further study. In the year 2022, two whole-genome sequences of Orchidoideae species, Platanthera zijinensis and Platanthera guangdongensis, were de novo sequenced, assembled and analyzed. In addition, systemic transcriptomes from these two species were also established. Therefore, we included these datasets to develop the new version of OrchidBase 5.0. In addition, three new functions including synteny, gene order, and miRNA information were also developed for orchid genome comparisons and miRNA characterization. OrchidBase 5.0 extended the genetic information to three orchid subfamilies (including five orchid species) and provided new tools for orchid researchers to analyze orchid genomes and transcriptomes. The online resources can be accessed at https://cosbi.ee.ncku.edu.tw/orchidbase5/ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Four new species of Orchidaceae from China, Heminium lijiangense, Peristylus fasciculatus, Platanthera milinensis, and Ponerorchis gongshanensis, together with a new country record, Peristylus tenuicallus, are described and illustrated based on morphological and/or phylogenetic analyses. Heminium lijiangense is closely related to H. elisabethae but differs from it by having the dorsal sepal ovate-orbicular and lip mid-lobe distinctly shorter than lateral lobes. P. fasciculatus is close to Peristylus tradescantifolius but is distinguished from it by having several fascicled and straight, root-like tubers (vs. one or two oblongoid tubers), old stems usually persistent, middle lobe of lip narrowly ligulate-lanceolate and half as long as the lateral lobes (vs. middle lobe deltoid, about a third as long as the lateral lobes or less), a raised callus at the base of each lateral lobe (vs. callus absent), spur gradually attenuate toward the apex (vs. spur clavate). Platanthera milinensis is similar to P. stenochila by sharing small green flowers and lip without a spur, but differs in having a creeping rhizome, a corymbose inflorescence, and a broadly ovate and slightly 3-lobed lip. Ponerochis gongshanensis is similar to P. faberi in its small flowers, but differs in having a linear leaf c. 3 mm wide (vs. leaf 5–13 mm wide), in the lip having collar-like raised margins on the sides of the spur entrance, and a mid-lobe which is notched at the apex but not divided into two divergent lobules that are nearly as large as the lateral lobes, as in P. faberi. All the proposed species obtained high support in phylogenetic analysis as new species. The recently described genus Apetalanthe is reduced to synonymy of Ponerorchis and a new combination is made.

Abstract Background Subtribe Orchidinae (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae) are a nearly cosmopolitan taxon of terrestrial orchids, comprising about 1800 species in 47 to 60 genera. Although much progress has been made in recent years of phylogenetics of Orchidinae, considerable problems remain to be addressed. Based on molecular phylogenetics, we attempt to illustrate the phylogenetic relationships and discuss generic delimitation within Orchidinae. Seven DNA markers (five plastid and two nuclear), a broad sampling of Orchidinae (400 species in 52 genera) and three methods of phylogenetic analysis (maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference) were used. Results Orchidinae s.l. are monophyletic. Satyrium is sister to the rest of Orchidinae s.l. Brachycorythis and Schizochilus are successive sister to Asian-European Orchidinae s.s. Sirindhornia and Shizhenia are successive sister to clade formed by Tsaiorchis-Hemipilia-Ponerorchis alliance. Stenoglottis is sister to the Habenaria-Herminium-Peristylus alliance. Habenaria, currently the largest genus in Orchidinae, is polyphyletic and split into two distant clades: one Asian-Australian and the other African–American–Asian. Diplomeris is sister to Herminium s.l. plus Asian-Australian Habenaria. Conclusions We propose to recognize five genera in the Ponerorchis alliance: Hemipilia, Ponerorchis s.l., Sirindhornia, Shizhenia and Tsaiorchis. Splitting Habenaria into two genera based on morphological characters and geographical distribution may be the least disruptive approach, and it is reasonable to keep Satyrium in Orchidinae.

Pollinators represent one of the main agents of selection on floral traits. Here, we estimated phenotypic selection on floral morphology and phenology in a sympatric population of two orchid species, Platanthera bifolia and P. chlorantha, including enigmatic individuals with intermediate column morphology (as reflected by the distance between viscidia and caudicle length, two traits involved in assortative mating and reproductive isolation among Platanthera species), but genetically indistinguishable from P. bifolia. Our aim was to clarify whether the occurrence of intermediate phenotypes could be explained by the presence of selective pressures exerted by pollinators. Simple linear and quadratic regressions together with univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the strength of directional, disruptive and stabilizing selection. We found that selection on phenotypic traits varied between groups and sex functions. Contrary to our hypothesis, selection on the viscidia distance and caudicle length appeared to be consistent in the two P. bifolia groups. Interestingly, the viscidia distance was under significant stabilizing selection through female reproductive success in intermediate individuals. Based on these results, we conclude that, despite a significant selective pressure on some phenotypic traits, the presence of individuals with intermediate phenotype is not due to selection. Stabilizing selection on distance between viscidia in intermediate individuals may suggest that assortative mating play a role in the maintenance of this phenotypic polymorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platanthera minor is widely distributed in East Asia. The complete circular chloroplast genome with a length of 154,430 bp possesses the typical structure, consisting of a large single copy (LSC) of 83,536 bp, a small single copy (SSC) of 17,612 bp, and two inverted repeats (IR) of 26,641 bp. The average GC content of the genome is 36.7%. The circular P. minor chloroplast genome contains 114 genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, four rRNA genes, and 30 tRNA genes. The chloroplast sequence provided a resource for analyzing genetic diversity of the Orchidaceae family.

Management of semi-natural grasslands should be based on the requirements of plants as well as their pollinators since conditions beneficial for plants are not necessarily beneficial for their pollinators and vice versa. The factors affecting the reproductive success (fruit set) of Platanthera bifolia and Platanthera chlorantha and their pollinators in agricultural landscape and woodlands were studied. In the years 2014-2016, we observed and caught moths during the flowering period of Platanthera species (late June-mid July) in four pure P. bifolia, five pure P. chlorantha and nine mixed populations under management or no management in Estonia. We determined pollinator species richness, pollinator abundance, fruit set and visibility of Platanthera plants in each population. We found that pollinator assemblages of P. bifolia and P. chlorantha did not differ between managed and unmanaged sites. Pollinator abundance had an effect on the fruit set of P. bifolia but not on that of P. chlorantha. Presence or absence of management, visibility of plants and rarefied pollinator species richness did not affect the fruit set of either plant species. Pollinator abundance was significantly higher in unmanaged populations of both plant species but rarefied pollinator species richness was higher only in unmanaged populations of P. chlorantha. Based on our findings the recommendations for management of semi-natural grasslands are to promote larger landscape diversity for the benefit of moth abundance by leaving unmanaged patches in different parts of a grassland in different years and rotational and post-fruiting management for higher reproductive success of orchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platanthera bifolia and P. chlorantha are terrestrial and rewarding orchids with a wide Eurasian distribution. Although genetically closely related, they exhibit significant morphological, phenological and ecological differences that maintain reproductive isolation between the species. However, where both species co-occur, individuals with intermediate phenotypic traits, often considered as hybrids, are frequently observed. Here, we combined neutral genetic markers (AFLPs), morphometrics and floral scent analysis (GC-MS) to investigate two mixed Platanthera populations where morphologically intermediate plants were found. Self-pollination experiments revealed a low level of autogamy and artificial crossings combined with assessments of fruit set and seed viability, showed compatibility between the two species. The results of the genetic analyses showed that morphologically intermediate plants had similar genetic patterns as the P. bifolia group. These results are corroborated also by floral scent analyses, which confirmed a strong similarity in floral scent composition between intermediate morphotypes and P. bifolia. Therefore, this study provided a much more detailed picture of the genetic structure of a sympatric zone between two closely allied species and supports the hypothesis that intermediate morphotypes in sympatry could reflect an adaptive evolution in response to local pollinator-mediated selection.

There are two rare orchids Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rich. and Platanthera chlorantha (Cust.) Reichenb. in the Smolensk Lakeland National Park . The main goal of our study was assessment of populations’ status and survival trends. We described habitat conditions, population size dynamics and ontogenetic structure dynamics. P. bifolia populations have large quantity, complete age structure and survival trend is stable. P. chlorantha has only one population, that is sustainable, but has low number of plants and needs monitoring and protection.

Platanthera bifolia and P. chlorantha are terrestrial and rewarding orchids with a wide Eurasian distribution. Although genetically closely related, they exhibit significant morphological, phenological and ecological differences that maintain reproductive isolation between the species. However, where both species co-occur, individuals with intermediate phenotypic traits, often considered as hybrids, are frequently observed. Here, we combined neutral genetic markers (AFLPs), morphometrics and floral scent analysis (GC-MS) to investigate two mixed Platanthera populations where morphologically intermediate plants were found. Self-pollination experiments revealed a low level of autogamy and artificial crossings combined with assessments of fruit set and seed viability, showed compatibility between the two species. The results of the genetic analyses showed that morphologically intermediate plants had similar genetic patterns as the P. bifolia group. These results are corroborated also by floral scent analyses, which confirmed a strong similarity in floral scent composition between intermediate morphotypes and P. bifolia. Therefore, this study provided a much more detailed picture of the genetic structure of a sympatric zone between two closely allied species and supports the hypothesis that intermediate morphotypes in sympatry could reflect an adaptive evolution in response to local pollinator-mediated selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Habitat connectivity is important in conservation since isolation can diminish the potential of a population for adaptation and increase its risk of extinction. However, conservation of naturally patchy ecosystems such as peatlands has mainly focused on preserving specific sites with exceptional characteristics, neglecting the potential interconnectivity between patches. In order to better understand plant dynamics within a peatland network, we assessed the effect of population isolation on genetic distinctiveness, phenotypic variations and germination rates using the peatland-obligate white-fringed orchid (Platanthera blephariglottis). Methods Fifteen phenotypic traits were measured for 24 individuals per population (20 distinct populations, Quebec, Canada) and germination rates of nearly 20 000 seeds were assessed. Genetic distinctiveness was quantified for 26 populations using single nucleotide polymorphism markers obtained via a pooled genotyping-by-sequencing approach. Geographic isolation was measured as the distance to the nearest population and as the number of populations occurring in concentric buffer zones (within a radius of 2, 5 and 10 km) around the studied populations. Important Findings All phenotypic traits showed significant differences among populations. Genetic results also indicated a pattern of isolation-by-distance, which suggests that seed and/or pollen exchange is restricted geographically. Finally, all phenotypic traits, as well as a reduced germination rate, were correlated with either geographic isolation or genetic distance. We conclude that geographic isolation likely restricts gene flow, which in turn may affect germination. Consequently, it is imperative that conservation programs take into account the patchy nature of such ecosystems, rather than targeting a few specific sites with exceptional character for preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SPME-GC-MS analysis of the scent of Platanthera bifolia subsp. osca collected during the night showed as main components lilac alcohols B, C and D and lilac aldehydes A, B and C. Other significant chemical components were linalool and caryophyllene. Some differences were found in comparison with previously reported analyses of the scent of P. bifolia and Platanthera chlorantha. The most important difference found was in the composition of the ester fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Central Europe, the genus Platanthera traditionally comprised two species, P. chlorantha Cust. ex Rchb. (Pc) and P. bifolia (L.) Rich. (Pb). They are morphologically characterized by a wide and narrow separation of anthers, respectively. However, a third form with intermediate anther distance has repeatedly been hypothesized but only hesitantly accepted. In addition, intermediate morphology has been also used as the main character of P. × hybrida. However, the status of some purported hybrid populations is challenged by the local lack of parental species, their successful reproduction and non-intermediate traits. Despite this unclear situation, detailed genetic and morphological analyses are lacking. Here, we studied morphology and molecular markers within the P. chlorantha/ bifolia group in Central Europe. Three morphological groups emerged representing Pc, Pb and a third form, here informally referred to as non-hybrid intermediates (Pn). The latter is characterized, among other trait differences, by intermediate distance between anthers [(0.7)-1-2.2 mm] and long spurs (28-40 mm). Three gene pools were identified, which largely corresponded to the three morphological groups. The Pn gene pool had several high-frequency private alleles substantiating its genetic independence. Some of the Pn populations were previously interpreted as P. × hybrida suggesting that Pn was overlooked hitherto and mistaken to represent hybrids. The non-perfect fit between morphological and genetic groups highlights the potential for fast morphological evolution. Overall, the finding of three distinct lineages within the bifolia/chlorantha group necessitates a thorough reanalysis of reported taxa and a reevaluation of our understanding of their distribution, ecology and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology of 38 species of the genus Platanthera s.l. was investigated by means of light and electron microscopy. Particular attention was paid to the structure of gynostemium and pollinaria. The species investigated represent 10 major lineages of the genus, all being recognized as sections or segregate genera in various taxonomical treatments. Considerable morphological variability was confirmed for Platanthera s.l. The most notably variable structures are tuberoids (root-like, stoloniferous, spherical, etc.), lip (entire, lobed, fimbriate etc.), rostellar lateral lobes (flat, concave, bursicle-like), lateral stigma lobes (flat, protruding, etc.) and viscidia (orbicular, lanceolate, sub-linear, deeply concave, reduced). The morphology of several taxa confirms that they do not belong to Platanthera s.l., of them Platanthera camtschatica displays relation to Galearis s.l. and P. latilabris, P. clavigera and P. biermanniana – to subtribe Habenariinae. In many cases the morphology confirms the monophyly of the lineages within Platanthera s.l., as Tulotis, Limnorchis etc., although more thorough sampling is needed. Some of those groups correspond to the clades as defined by previously published molecular phylogenies (Hapeman and Inoue 1997, Bateman et al. 2009). The morphological polymorphism in Platanthera s.l. (especially gynostemium structure) seems to be higher than in many other large genera of the subtribe Orchidinae, as Dactylorhiza, Ophrys or Orchis, and led to recognition of several segregate genera within Platanthera s.l. However, lesser genetic polymorphism revealed by molecular markers gives evidence for morphological plasticity (in particular, in gynostemium structure) and rapid morphological evolution of this group.

Terrestrial orchids are especially susceptible to population declines, and hence are the focus of plant conservation efforts worldwide, but the life history and demography of heterotrophic orchids is not well understood. Our objective was to quantify life stage transition rates for a species pair of rare round-leaved orchids (Platanthera spp.) in a northern hardwood forest. Marked individuals were measured over 5 years, and metrics included: leaf area, damage by herbivores and pathogens, flowering, and seed production. Germination trials were also conducted. Vital rates were very similar for the two species, which were about equally abundant despite large differences in seed production. Mortality was twice as high for juvenile as for adult stages, and juvenile abundance was markedly lower than for adults. Both species are vulnerable to leaf damage by invertebrates and fungi and exhibit clear leaf area thresholds for progression across life stages, both suggesting a delicate carbon balance for these mixotrophic orchids. The likely role of mycosymbiont distribution in facilitating seedling establishment deserves further detailed study to inform conservation efforts as these and other orchid species face an uncertain future owing to rapid environmental change and increasing pressure from white-tailed deer herbivory in the northern part of their range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While it is generally acknowledged that orchid species rely on mycorrhizal fungi for completion of their life cycle, little is yet known about how mycorrhizal fungal diversity and community composition vary within and between closely related orchid taxa. In this study, we used 454 amplicon pyrosequencing to investigate variation in mycorrhizal communities between pure (allopatric) and mixed (sympatric) populations of two closely related Platanthera species (Platanthera bifolia and P. chlorantha) and putative hybrids. Consistent with previous research, the two species primarily associated primarily with members of the Ceratobasidiaceae and, to a lesser extent, with members of the Sebacinales and Tulasnellaceae. In addition, a large number of ectomycorrhizal fungi belonging to various families were observed. Although a considerable number of mycorrhizal fungi were common to both species, the fungal communities were significantly different between the two species. Individuals with intermediate morphology showed communities similar to P. bifolia, confirming previous results based on the genetic architecture and fragrance composition that putative hybrids essentially belonged to one of the parental species (P. bifolia). Differences in mycorrhizal communities between species were smaller in mixed populations than between pure populations, suggesting that variation in mycorrhizal communities was largely controlled by local environmental conditions. The small differences in mycorrhizal communities in mixed populations suggests that mycorrhizal fungi are most likely not directly involved in maintaining species boundaries between the two Platanthera species. However, seed germination experiments are needed to unambiguously assess the contribution of mycorrhizal divergence to reproductive isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platanthera integrilabia is a rare terrestrial orchid species generally associated with semi-open forested wetlands in the southeastern US. It has been suggested that P. integrilabia has restrictive abiotic resource requirements; however, these requirements have not been implicitly studied despite their potential application to species conservation. We investigated the influence of light and soil moisture on P. integrilabia at landscape and local scales and population and organismal levels across and within four occurrences with contrasting canopy openness. We also evaluated the potential for leaf-level physiological responses to light and soil moisture to reflect habitat suitability and influence performance. At landscape scales, light and soil moisture were not associated with P. integrilabia density or individual size. Across sites, measures of photosynthetic light response and water-use efficiency indicated that P. integrilabia can maximize photosynthetic efficiency and energy gain in contrasting light and soil moisture environments. Minimal associations of these measures with abiotic variations within sites suggested that the capacity for adjustments across small spatial and/or temporal scales may be limited. Preservation of existing habitats associated with viable P. integrilabia occurrences is warranted, but the leaf-level ecophysiology of this species indicates that its habitat suitability also could include more open and drier sites. For populations of P. integrilabia experiencing declines in habitats with recent disturbance, we suggest the possibility that well-managed modifications to canopy cover may be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first comprehensive phylogenetic study of the orchid genus Herminium and its allies is presented, based on seven molecular markers (nuclear internal transcribed spacer, Xdh, chloroplast matK, psaB, psbA-trnH, rbcL and trnL- F) and 37 morphological characters. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Herminium as currently delimited is paraphyletic and that several genera are deeply nested within it. Based on parsimony analysis of total evidence, the generic circumscription of Herminium is expanded to include Androcorys, Bhutanthera, Frigidorchis and Porolabium. Apomorphic and plesiomorphic character states are identified for various clades recovered in this study. A few species currently wrongly assigned to Peristylus and Platanthera are here included in Herminium. All necessary new combinations are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments in video monitoring and time-lapse photography techniques have increased the efficiency of observing floral visitors. However, such approaches still require a great investment of time and effort to extract the relevant information from the large quantity of data produced. In an attempt to shorten this time-consuming process and make it more efficient, we have developed a system to automatically detect moving objects. This new system involves the comparison of consecutive frames to detect differences between the images and highlights those frames that are likely to contain insect visitors. The specifications of the system and the results from a pilot study using the data of the orchid species Platanthera ussuriensis are described below. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canaan Valley (hereafter, the Valley), in northeastern West Virginia, supports large areas of wetland, upland forest, and upland non-forest habitats at relatively high elevations, providing potential habitat for a variety of rare plant species. The presence of 54 species of plants considered to be rare and of conservation concern in West Virginia plus 22 watchlist species has been confirmed in the Valley. No federally listed threatened or endangered plants have been found. One of the rare species is the globally critically imperiled Platanthera shriveri (Shriver's Frilly Orchid) and 4 are globally vulnerable- Gymnocarpium appalachianum (Appalachian Oak Fern), Hypericum mitchellianum (Blue Ridge St. Johnswort), Euphorbia purpurea (Glade Spurge), and Polemonium vanbruntiae (Bog Jacob's-ladder). Rare plants are found throughout the Valley; 80% occur in wetlands, and a significant assemblage is associated with wetlands on Greenbrier Limestone. Globally rare species are Appalachian endemics, but 41 of the Valley's rare and watchlist plants are primarily northern in distribution. Extant native populations are known in West Virginia only from the Valley for 3 species- Carex atherodes (Awned Sedge), Gentianopsis crinita (Greater Fringed Gentian), and Viburnum trilobum (American Cranberry-bush)-and a significant portion of all known West Virginia occurrences for at least another 16 species are in the Valley. Several rare plant species grow in multiple places in the Valley, but others are known from only 1 or 2 sites and are quite vulnerable. Non-native insect pests threaten Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir) and Fraxinus nigra (Black Ash). There are a number of threats to the Valley's rare plants: invasive plants, especially Typha latifolia (Broadleaf Cattail), Iris pseudoacorus (Yellow Flag), Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canarygrass), and Microstegium vimineum (Japanese Stiltgrass); browsing by Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer); residential development; hydrologic changes to wetlands; and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report presents three new orchids in Taiwan, i.e., Epipactis fascicularis T.P. Lin, Neottia piluchiensis T.P. Lin,and Platanthera nantousylvatica T.P. Lin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The western prairie fringed-orchid is a rare North American orchid restricted to a few remnants of wet to mesic tallgrass prairie. It is federally listed in both Canada and the United States and both countries have developed a recovery plan for the species. Two key management objectives are to monitor population trends and identify beneficial management practices. We used 21 y of data from the Manitoba metapopulation to assess effects of weather and land management on this species. Our results suggest the metapopulation in Manitoba is relatively stable. Western prairie fringed-orchids appear to benefit most from a combination of warm temperatures in the previous growing season followed by cool snowy but short winters and wet springs. Periodic burning ( e.g., every 2-3 y) may benefit fringed-orchids, whereas grazing may be detrimental. This was not a controlled experiment, however, and gaps in the data may have influenced our results. Prescribed burning is a viable management tool for curtailing woody invasion and both burning and grazing reduce litter and grass cover, but careful consideration of timing, frequency, and intensity of application is required so management does not hinder fringed-orchid reproduction or reduce survival, while also recognizing management requirements may vary among years depending on weather. Long-term studies are particularly valuable for the western prairie fringed-orchid due to its erratic life cycle and fluctuating populations, which complicate studies of environmental and management effects on this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the discovery of the platanthera hyperborea, a green orchid plant, in the remote islands of Iceland and mentions topics such as the selfing or self-pollination capacity of the orchids, possible insects who pollinate the plant and the taxonomic studies on the plant.

The Canadian Arctic Archipelago is a vast region of approximately 1,420,000 km2, with a flora characterized by low species diversity, low endemicity, and little influence by alien species. New records of vascular plant species are documented here based on recent fieldwork on Victoria and Baffin Islands; additional records based on recent literature sources are mentioned. This paper serves as an update to the 2007 publication Flora of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, and brings the total number of vascular plants for the region to 375 species and infraspecific taxa, an increase of 7.7%. Three families (Amaranthaceae, Juncaginaceae, Pteridaceae) and seven genera (Cherleria L., Cryptogramma R. Br., Platanthera Rich., Sabulina Rchb., Suaeda Forssk. ex J.F. Gmel., Triglochin L., Utricularia L.) are added to the flora, and one genus is deleted (Minuartia L.). Five species are first records for Nunavut (Arenaria longipedunculata Hultén, Cryptogramma stelleri (S.G. Gmel.) Prantl, Puccinellia banksiensis Consaul, Saxifraga eschscholtzii Sternb., Utricularia ochroleuca R.W. Hartm.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive success of orchids is traditionally estimated by determining the fruit-set of individuals. Here, we investigated both the fruit and the seed production of three orchid species and the factors that may affect individual fruit-set, like pollination strategy, individual traits or the annual amount of precipitation. The species [Dactylorhiza sambucina (L.) Soó, Dactylorhiza majalis (Rchb.) P. F. Hunt & Summerhayes and Platanthera bifolia (L.) L. C. M. Richard] were studied in three consecutive years (2010-2012) in the Bükk Mountains, Hungary. All three species were proved to be non-autogamous by a bagging experiment. Data analyses showed significant differences between seed numbers but not between fruit-sets of species. There was no statistical difference in individual reproductive success between wet and dry years, however, the effect of the annual amount of precipitation is significant on the population level. Comparison of published fruit-set data revealed accordance with our results in P. bifolia, but not in D. sambucina and D. majalis. We assume that the surprisingly high fruit-set values of the two Dactylorhiza species may be due to the fact that the pollination crisis reported from Western European countries is not an actual problem in the Bükk Mountains, Hungary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Premise of the study: Assessing seed quality in orchids has been hindered by stringent germination requirements. Seed quality has traditionally been assessed in orchids using in vitro or in situ germination protocols or viability staining. However, these methods are not always well suited for rapid assessment of viability in the context of ecological studies. * Methods: The potential of an ex situ protocol for seed viability assessment of orchids in ecological studies was investigated by sowing seeds of Platanthera blephariglottis on Sphagnum moss collected in the orchid's natural habitat. Ex situ germination results were compared with those obtained by viability staining using triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), and the effect of seed testa color on staining and germination results was investigated. * Key results: The ex situ protocol yielded high germination rates, with 66% of the seeds germinating after 9 wk. Depending on the seed testa color class, ex situ germination rates were about 1.4 to 2.5 times higher than viability rates determined using TTC, indicating that the TTC technique underestimated viability compared with the method using ex situ germination. The TTC estimates of viability rates were higher for seeds with dark-colored testae than for pale ones, whereas seed testa color had no effect on germination. * Conclusions: Our study showed promising results for the use of ex situ germination as an alternative to previously developed protocols for seed viability assessment of orchids in ecological studies. Staining using TTC might not be well suited for this purpose, since it introduced a bias with respect to seed testa color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]