Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Matheus Hansen, Gabriel C. Lanes, Vinicius L. G. Brito, Edson D. Leonel
Summary: Buzz pollination is described using a mathematical model with a billiard approach, applied to the rough morphology of a typical poricidal anther of a tomato flower. The results not only recover observed data but also offer a potential solution to an open problem related to buzz pollination.
Article
Biology
Ariela Haber, James W. Sims, Mark C. Mescher, Consuelo M. De Moraes, David E. Carr
Summary: Insect pollinators have the ability to learn olfactory cues and prefer 'honest signals' for floral rewards, but might be influenced by sensory biases towards certain compounds. This study suggests that a sensory bias for beta-trans-bergamotene can override the ability of Bombus impatiens to use honest signals when foraging on Mimulus guttatus flowers, potentially representing a deceptive pollination strategy for plants.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Xuan Zhou, Lu Wang, Qian Yin, Xinghui Liu, Joseph Masabni, Huan Xiong, Deyi Yuan, Feng Zou
Summary: Castanea mollissima is an important monoecious fruit crop in China. The development of male and female flowers in this crop is regulated by hormones and gene expression. Zeatin and transcription factors play crucial roles in the formation of female flowers, while jasmonic acid is not significant. These findings contribute to our understanding of the factors influencing chestnut production and can potentially improve yield.
Article
Ecology
Laura G. A. Riggi, Ola Lundin, Asa Berggren
Summary: The cultivation of late-season mass-flowering crops, such as red clover, has a positive impact on bumblebee abundances and diversity, particularly benefiting less common bumblebee species. Combining the cultivation of red clover with the management of flower-rich habitats has the potential to support less common bumblebee species in temperate agroecosystems.
BASIC AND APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Adja Madjiguene Diallo, Erik Dahl Kjaer, Anders Raebild, Lene Rostgaard Nielsen
Summary: This study investigates genetic differentiation and prezygotic reproductive barriers among different ploidy levels of Acacia senegal. By genotyping and studying flower morphology, the researchers found genetic differentiation between polyploid and diploid trees, as well as prezygotic reproductive barriers such as differences in flower phenology and morphology. The results suggest limited gene flow among cytotypes of A. senegal and a likely restriction of interploidy pollination by differences in flower phenology and morphology.
Article
Plant Sciences
Xi Wang, Jun-Ru Wang, Si-Yu Xie, Xiao-Hui Zhang, Zhao-Yang Chang, Liang Zhao, Louis Ronse De Craene, Jun Wen
Summary: Although most Prunus species have clearly differentiated sepals and petals, two former genera, Maddenia and Pygeum, were described as having undifferentiated perianth. The floral development of Prunus hypoleuca and Prunus topengii shows that initially distinct sepals and petals later appear quite similar in the two species, distinguishing them from other Prunus species.
JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amelie Saunier, Patrick Grof-Tisza, James D. Blande
Summary: This study investigated the effects of elevated ozone on the foraging behavior of Bombus terrestris on three species of the Brassicaceae. The results showed that elevated ozone had significant effects on the foraging parameters of B. terrestris, possibly by reducing olfaction-mediated orientation or directly impacting the bees. This suggests that high levels of ozone could have negative effects on the foraging efficiency of important pollinator species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rupesh R. Kariyat, Thomas G. Bentley, Chad T. Nihranz, Andrew G. Stephenson, Consuelo M. De Moraes, Mark C. Mescher
Summary: The study found that inbred plants exhibited reduced corolla size and pollen production compared to outbred plants, as well as significantly decreased emission of two major volatile compounds in the floral blend. Furthermore, bumblebees discriminated against inbred flowers in the field, showing a preference for initial visits and spending more time on outbred flowers. These results demonstrate that inbreeding can alter floral traits affecting pollinator attraction, reduce floral rewards production, and adversely impact pollinator visitation.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Mario S. Pinilla-Gallego, Wee Hao Ng, Victoria E. Amaral, Rebecca E. Irwin
Summary: The floral traits and species identity have different effects on the transmission process of bee parasites. Floral shape is an important predictor of transmission potential, while species identity is more suitable for predicting feces deposition and parasite survival. Identifying traits associated with transmission potential can help create safer pollinator habitats.
Article
Ecology
Anina C. Knauer, Hanna Kokko, Florian P. Schiestl
Summary: The study investigates honest signaling in a plant species by analyzing how two honest floral signals attract pollinators and influence nectar volume. The results of experiments were incorporated into a mathematical model and verified, showing how honest floral signaling can evolve as a stable strategy in a plant species.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Natasha de Manincor, Benjamin Andreu, Bruno Buatois, Hineiti Lou Chao, Nina Hautekeete, Francois Massol, Yves Piquot, Bertrand Schatz, Eric Schmitt, Mathilde Dufay
Summary: Our study compared the floral scents of four generalist plant species along an environmental gradient in six calcareous grasslands, using VOC analysis in both field and greenhouse conditions to explore geographical variation. We found differences in VOC composition among species and populations, with a significant effect of pollinator communities on scent emission, indicating stability in compounds attractive to specific pollinators. Genetic-based geographical variation was observed in some cases, but phenotypic plasticity also played a role, highlighting the importance of studying floral volatiles in natural populations.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Andrea E. Berardi, Ana C. Betancourt Morejon, Robin Hopkins
Summary: This study investigates the patterns of floral evolution in the North American Silene section Physolychnis, a group characterized by the evolution of novel red floral color and exposure to hummingbird pollinators. The results show that the clustering of floral traits does not align with phenotypically divergent pollination syndromes, and there is little evidence that phylogenetic history or geographic overlap explains patterns of floral diversity in this group. Additionally, it is found that red-flowering species have evolved floral traits that align with the hummingbird syndrome, but also overlap with white and pink species.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Denis Copilas-Ciocianu, Bianca-Vanesa Boros, Egle Sidagyte-Copilas
Summary: The study found significant trophic and morphological differentiation among sympatric species of amphipods, with carnivorous species displaying predatory traits and herbivorous species having larger mouthparts and stomach. This indicates that even small riverine amphipod communities may exhibit significant functional disparity.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Walter M. Farina, Andres Arenas, Paula C. Diaz, Cinthia Susic Martin, Maria J. Corriale
Summary: This study developed two synthetic odorant mixtures that can be combined with the natural floral scents of specific crops to improve honey bee foraging and pollination activities. Results show that offering scented sucrose solution can increase colony activity and pollen collection.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Brandi Zenchyzen, Stacie Weissner, Jaymie Martin, Ainsley Lopushinsky, Ida John, Ishnoor Nahal, Jocelyn C. Hall
Summary: Floral nectaries have evolved diverse forms and functions in response to animal pollinators. However, their morphological and developmental characteristics are often overlooked. This study examined the floral nectaries of nine Cleomaceae species and found that they are commonly receptacular, supplied by vasculature, and exhibit significant diversity in size and shape. Floral nectaries contribute to the morphological diversity of Cleomaceae flowers and warrant further investigation into their role in floral evolution.
