Australian Orchid Foundation

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Project: 346/2022

Title: Effects of herbivory and population density on the pollination and reproductive success of Diuris chryseopsis D. L. Jones and Diuris ochroma D. L. Jones (Orchidaceae) 
Applicant: Rebecca Grinter
Institution: School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora VIC 3086

Science Division, Orchid Conservation Program, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria 

 

Australia supports a rich diversity of grassland-dwelling orchids, many of which are threatened. Yet factors limiting the reproductive success of grassland-dwelling orchids in the wild are not well understood. This poses a limitation to the success of both their management and the selection of sites for conservation translocation. This study will be one of the first in Australia to assess the pollination ecology and reproductive limitations of grassland-dwelling orchid species, including identification of both pollinators and herbivores. We will focus on members of the Golden Moth group, Diuris chryseopsis and Diuris ochroma.