Folivory affects composition of nectar, floral odor and modifies pollinator behavior

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Plant Science
• Entomology

Background:

• Herbivory, the consumption of plants by herbivores, significantly alters plant physiology and chemistry.
• These plant responses can influence interactions with other organisms, including beneficial insects like pollinators.
• A potential trade-off exists between a plant's investment in defense against herbivores and its ability to attract pollinators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of insect herbivory on plant volatile emissions, nectar production, and pollinator behavior.
• To determine if there is a trade-off between plant defensive responses to herbivory and pollination success in Brassica nigra.

Main Methods:

• Combined field and greenhouse experiments using Brassica nigra plants and Pieris brassicae caterpillars.
• Monitored plant volatile emissions from both leaves and flowers.
• Assessed nectar production and recorded pollinator (honeybees, butterflies) visit frequency and duration.

Main Results:

• Herbivory on leaves induced changes in flower volatile emissions, but leaf volatile emissions remained unchanged.
• Pollinator visit frequency was not significantly affected by herbivory.
• The duration of visits by honeybees and butterflies was reduced on herbivore-damaged plants.

Conclusions:

• No trade-off was observed between herbivore-induced plant responses and pollination.
• Reduced pollinator visit duration may benefit plants by optimizing pollen transfer and nectar consumption.
• Ecological factors like herbivore infestation are crucial for understanding plant pollination ecology.