THE CHEMICAL DIVERSITY OF RHYNCHOSTYLIS RETUSA (L.) BL. 'NECTAR' — AN ORCHID OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Abstract

Nectar is a liquid formed by specialized glands called nectaries that attract pollinators inside the flowers. In reproductive biology, nectar plays a significant role in promoting visitor attractions and pollinators, aiding in the biotic pollination of the earth, and encouraging forest conservation and human farming. Nectar is an ecologically important honey source of sugar. In this analysis the nectar of Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) B. was described. It is an economically significant orchid in many parts of the world. The instrument used Q-Exactive Plus biopharma-high resolution Orbitrap Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for the most accurate and precise detection of compounds. The orchid flowers are frequently fed for the sweet nectar by various insects, e.g. ants, beetles, bees, and butterflies, but two species of genus Xylocopa, viz., X. violacea L. and X. aestuans L. were considered as the important biotic pollinators. We find 13 compounds which are Rhynchostylis retusa nectar metabolites. Of these, 6 compounds are either unknown or not reported elsewhere from any plant metabolites.