Yoko Inui

Abstract Volatile compounds in floral nectar may affect plant–pollinator relationships; however, the understanding of the distribution and functions of scented floral nectar is still relatively limited. In this study, we examined the volatile constituents of the scented floral nectar of the black lily Fritillaria camschatcensis and their potential to attract flower‐visiting flies. In Japan, F. camschatcensis comprises two varieties, var. camschatcensis (lowland) and var. keisukei (alpine). The flowers of both varieties secrete large amounts of nectar that is fed on by visiting flies. We investigated the sugar concentration of the nectar using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and studied its volatile chemical composition using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. We conducted a bioassay using a synthetic mixture of nectar volatiles of the lowland variety to test whether flies are attracted to volatile compounds in the nectar scent. HPLC analysis showed that glucose and fructose occur in the nectar of the alpine variety, whereas the lowland variety nectar contained glucose but lacked fructose. Nectar volatile compounds differed substantially between the two varieties; the volatiles of the lowland variety consisted primarily of four aliphatic acids, whereas acetophenone was the main volatile compound in the alpine variety. The bioassay showed that a mixture of three aliphatic acids detected as volatiles of the lowland variety nectar attracts flies, including those that visit the alpine variety flowers such as Calliphoridae. These results suggest that the volatiles of the scented nectar serve as attractants for flower visitors and may have an important role in the pollination of F. camschatcensis.

Canopy biology is the natural science that aimed at understanding of the biodiversity, biological processes, and ecological functions of forest canopies. Canopies determine the structural and energetic properties of forest ecosystems. Since the 1980s, canopy biology has progressed rapidly through the development of methods for accessing treetops. The rope climbing techniques used widely in canopy studies have developed from diverse procedures that allow human access to the top layers of forest vegetation. In comparison with other access hardware, e.g., cranes and gantries, rope assemblies have advantages in terms of user mobility, repeated access, and cost. The availability and safety of tree climbing techniques have improved with recent developments in mountain climbing gear and methodologies for their use. In this review, we use candidate studies to introduce the advantages, prospects and challenges of climbing techniques for tree canopy studies. Tree climbing allows excellent access to treetops in all types of forests, across all geographical locations. We expect further progress through combinations of rope climbing and other access methodologies. In the interests of safety and effectiveness, a platform should be developed for the distribution of relevant information to prospective tree climbing researchers and those who may wish to use the procedures for other activities, such as arboriculture.