Perspectives in Plant Ecology Evolution and Systematics,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
62, P. 125764 - 125764
Published: Nov. 26, 2023
Floral
nectar
is
central
to
ecology,
since
it
mediates
interactions
with
pollinators,
flower-visiting
antagonists
and
microbes
through
its
chemical
composition.
Here
we
review
how
historical
assumptions
about
ecological
meaning
were
first
challenged,
then
modified
expanded
the
discovery
of
secondary
metabolites
in
nectar.
We
explore
origin
specific
neuroactive
compounds
known
act
as
important
insect
neurotransmitters,
advances
field
bee
cognition
plant-microbe-animal
challenge
such
views.
As
all
actors
involved
latter
are
under
simultaneous
reciprocal
selective
pressures,
their
coexistence
characterized
by
conflicts
trade-offs,
evolutionary
interpretation
which
suggests
exciting
new
perspectives
one
longest
studied
aspects
plant-pollinator
interactions.
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
377(1853)
Published: May 2, 2022
Nectar,
the
main
floral
reward
for
pollinators,
varies
greatly
in
composition
and
concentration.
The
assumption
that
nectar
quality
is
equivalent
to
its
sugar
(energy)
concentration
too
simple.
Diverse
non-sugar
components,
especially
amino
acids
secondary
metabolites,
play
various
roles
nutrition
health
of
pollinators.
Many
compounds
have
indirect
effects
by
altering
foraging
behaviour
pollinators
or
protecting
them
from
disease.
This
review
also
emphasizes
water
component
nectar,
often
ignored
because
evaporative
losses
difficulties
sampling
small
volumes.
Nectar
properties
vary
with
environmental
factors,
pollinator
visits
microbial
contamination.
Pollination
mutualisms
depend
on
ability
insect
vertebrate
cope
benefit
variation
diversity
chemistry.
article
part
theme
issue
'Natural
processes
influencing
health:
chemistry
landscapes'.
Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
30(1)
Published: Jan. 14, 2025
The
use
of
biological
control
agents
is
one
the
best
strategies
available
to
combat
plant
diseases
in
an
ecofriendly
manner.
Biocontrol
bacteria
capable
providing
beneficial
effect
crop
growth
and
health,
have
been
developed
for
several
decades.
It
highlights
need
a
deeper
understanding
colonization
mechanisms
employed
by
biocontrol
enhance
their
efficacy
pathogen
control.
present
review
deals
with
in-depth
steps
involved
host
bacteria.
process
starts
from
root
zone,
where
establish
initial
interactions
plant’s
system.
Moving
beyond
roots,
migrate
colonize
other
organs,
including
stems,
leaves,
even
flowers.
Also,
attempts
explore
facilitating
bacterial
movement
within
such
as
migrating
through
interconnected
spaces
vessels
or
apoplast,
applying
quorum
sensing
extracellular
enzymes
during
what
needed
long-term
association
plant.
impacts
on
microbial
community
dynamics,
nutrient
cycling,
overall
health
are
discussed,
emphasizing
intricate
relationships
between
microbiome
benefits
above-ground
parts,
40
confer.
By
unraveling
these
mechanisms,
researchers
can
develop
targeted
enhancing
efficiency
effectiveness
bacteria,
leading
more
sustainability
resilience.
Journal of Experimental Biology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
227(1)
Published: Jan. 1, 2024
Highlighted
Article:
A
combination
of
floral
volatiles
and
nectar
chemicals
mediate
plant–pollinator
interactions.
The
wasp-pollinated
Gomphocarpus
physocarpus
contains
cardenolides
functioning
as
a
filter
against
disfavoured
visitors.
Current Opinion in Insect Science,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
63, P. 101199 - 101199
Published: April 7, 2024
Mosquitoes,
males
and
females,
rely
on
sugar-rich
resources
including
floral
nectar
as
a
primary
source
of
sugar
to
meet
their
energy
nutritional
needs.
Despite
advancements
in
understanding
mosquito
host-seeking
blood-feeding
preferences,
significant
gaps
our
knowledge
the
chemical
ecology
mediating
mosquito-nectar
associations
remain.
The
influence
such
association
with
behavior,
resulting
effects
fitness
are
also
not
totally
understood.
It
is
that
frequently
acts
natural
habitat
for
various
microbes
(e.g.,
bacteria
yeast),
which
substantially
alter
characteristics,
influencing
flower-visiting
insects
mosquitoes.
role
nectar-inhabiting
shaping
nectar-mosquito
interactions
remains,
however,
under-researched.
This
review
explores
recent
advances
multitrophic
life
history
traits
mosquitoes
outlines
future
directions
research
towards
control
disease
vectors.
Current Opinion in Insect Science,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
60, P. 101116 - 101116
Published: Sept. 22, 2023
Floral
nectar
is
frequently
colonized
by
microbes
among
which
bacteria
and
yeasts
are
the
most
abundant.
These
have
ability
to
alter
characteristics
with
consequences
for
whole
community
of
flower-visiting
insects.
Recent
research
carried
out
on
natural
enemies
insect
herbivores
has
shown
that
microbe-mediated
changes
in
traits
can
influence
foraging
behavior
life
history
parasitoids.
The
production
microbial
Volatile
Organic
Compounds
(mVOCs)
affect
attraction
parasitoids
nectar,
while
sugar
amino
acid
composition
impact
their
longevity.
Future
should
focus
understanding
effects
colonization
parasitoid
reproduction,
a
specific
emphasis
interactions
different
taxa
known
co-occur
floral
nectar.
Overall,
this
review
highlights
importance
considering
role
nectar-inhabiting
shaping
between
food
resources.
New Zealand Journal of Zoology,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown, P. 1 - 20
Published: May 23, 2024
Insect
pollinators
acquire
microorganisms
when
they
visit
flowers
for
nutrients.
The
interactions
that
occur
at
the
floral
interface
are
complex
with
three
participants
–
pollinators,
plants
and
microorganisms.
majority
of
insect
pollinator's
microbiome
is
shaped
by
their
behaviour,
diet
environment.
At
present
bee
(Apidae
family)
best
documented
contributes
to
our
understanding
bi-directional
exchange
microbes
between
flowers.
transferred
may
be
mutualistic,
commensal
or
pathogenic.
We
identify
a
lack
information
due
limited
studies
concerning
diversity
focus
on
pathogenic
gut
influence
health.
Each
candidate,
insect,
plant
microbe,
makes
own
contribution
which
aids
interaction,
but
some
benefit
more
than
others.
benefits
include
enhanced
acquisition
nutritional
resources;
dispersal
'new'
habitat
colonise
pollination
outcome.
Finally,
we
explore
novel
concept
whether
fruit
acts
as
potential
vector
hibernate
extend
lifecycle
in
absence
pollinator
host.
Current Opinion in Insect Science,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
61, P. 101138 - 101138
Published: Nov. 4, 2023
Sugar-rich
plant-related
secretions,
such
as
floral
nectar
and
honeydew,
that
are
commonly
used
nutrient
sources
by
insects
other
animals,
also
the
ecological
niche
for
diverse
microbial
communities.
Recent
research
has
highlighted
great
potential
of
honeydew
microbiomes
in
biological
pest
control
improved
pollination,
but
exploitation
these
requires
a
deep
understanding
their
community
dynamics
plant-microbe-insect
interactions.
Additionally,
successful
application
microbes
crop
fields
is
conditioned
ecological,
legal,
ethical
challenges
should
be
taken
into
account.
In
this
article
we
provide
an
overview
discuss
applications
sustainable
agricultural
practices.
