Field experiments with transformed plants reveal the sense of floral scents
- PMID:18755975
- DOI: 10.1126/science.1160072
Field experiments with transformed plants reveal the sense of floral scents
Abstract
Plants use many means to attract pollinators, including visual cues and odor. We investigated how nonpigment floral chemistry influences nectar removal, floral visitation, florivory, rates of outcrossing, and fitness through both male and female functions. We blocked expression of biosynthetic genes of the dominant floral attractant [benzyl acetone (Nachal1)] and nectar repellent [nicotine (Napmt1/2)] in all combinations in the native tobacco Nicotiana attenuata and measured their effects on plants in their native habitat. Both repellent and attractant were required to maximize capsule production and seed siring in emasculated flowers and flower visitation by native pollinators, whereas nicotine reduced florivory and nectar robbing.
Comment in
- Plant science. The "invisible hand" of floral chemistry.Raguso RA.Raguso RA.Science. 2008 Aug 29;321(5893):1163-4. doi: 10.1126/science.1163570.Science. 2008.PMID:18755960No abstract available.
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