After obtaining a PhD in chemical ecology, I joined the Functional Ecology Laboratory to study the ecology of the Cypripedium calceolus orchid (also called the lady's slipper orchid), a species listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list as threatened or critically endangered in many countries.

 

An integral part of Switzerland's heritage, this orchid uses a deceptive method to attract pollinators in order to ensure its sexual reproduction. A better understanding of the interaction between this orchid and its pollinators is therefore of major importance to develop conservation measures. Similarly, understanding the impact of climate change on the relationships between plants and pollinators is all the more important for threatened species.

 

Firstly, the aim of my project is therefore to study the attractiveness of the main Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to pollinators.

Secondly, the impact of global warming on VOCs’ production and pollinators recruitment will be studied, using chemical ecology, ecophysiology and thermal ecology approaches.