Pollinators provide an essential service to both natural and agricultural ecosystems. More than 80% of crop production, that is the majority of fruit, vegetable, oil plant, protein plant, nut and spices depend on insect pollination. It is known that the color of a flower is the first and foremost cue for pollinator's attraction, but the scent of a flower also plays a major role in attracting pollinating insects. Other plants, such as some orchids, use deceptive pollination methods producing hormonal-like substances. Studies of floral scents and of their patterns within a single flower are important to better understand the chemical bases of plant-animal relationships and pollination ecology. Furthermore, they may reveal new scented molecules that could be of value to both the food industry and perfumery. Besides volatiles, also nutrients may be used by plants as a reward for pollination services. Sugars, amino acids and secondary metabolites are contained in nectar, a liquid secretion produced by dedicated structures within the flower and highly appreciated by insects and other pollinators.
Pollination strategies: the point of view of plants-Personal experiences and review of the literature
FLAMINI, GUIDO
2012-01-01
Abstract
Pollinators provide an essential service to both natural and agricultural ecosystems. More than 80% of crop production, that is the majority of fruit, vegetable, oil plant, protein plant, nut and spices depend on insect pollination. It is known that the color of a flower is the first and foremost cue for pollinator's attraction, but the scent of a flower also plays a major role in attracting pollinating insects. Other plants, such as some orchids, use deceptive pollination methods producing hormonal-like substances. Studies of floral scents and of their patterns within a single flower are important to better understand the chemical bases of plant-animal relationships and pollination ecology. Furthermore, they may reveal new scented molecules that could be of value to both the food industry and perfumery. Besides volatiles, also nutrients may be used by plants as a reward for pollination services. Sugars, amino acids and secondary metabolites are contained in nectar, a liquid secretion produced by dedicated structures within the flower and highly appreciated by insects and other pollinators.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
