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Testing the Distraction Hypothesis: Do extrafloral nectaries reduce ant-pollinator conflict?
Nora Villamil1, Karina Boege2, Graham N Stone1
1Ashworth Laboratories, Institute of Evolutionary Biology University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK.
The Journal of Ecology
|June 21, 2019
Summary
Extrafloral nectar rewards ants, reducing their flower visits and protecting plants. This study provides the first field evidence supporting the Distraction Hypothesis, showing benefits for plant reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Plant-animal interactions
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Ants protect plants from herbivores but can harm pollination by visiting flowers.
- The Distraction Hypothesis suggests extrafloral nectar diverts ants from flowers, reducing conflict.
- Ant-plant interactions are crucial for understanding plant reproductive success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the Distraction Hypothesis in the field using the Mexican ant-plant Turnera velutina.
- To investigate how extrafloral nectar influences ant visitation to flowers and plant fitness.
- To determine if extrafloral nectar reduces ant-pollinator conflict.
Main Methods:
- Clogged extrafloral nectaries on field plants to prevent nectar secretion.
- Observed ant activity, pollinator visitation, and ants within flowers.
- Quantified the effects on plant reproductive output, including fruit abortion.
Main Results:
- Clogging nectaries reduced ant patrolling but increased flower occupation by ants.
- Plant reproductive output decreased, with a 12% rise in fruit abortion probability.
- No significant changes in ant or pollinator numbers inside flowers were observed.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first field experimental support for the Distraction Hypothesis.
- Extrafloral nectar near flowers can bribe ants away from reproductive structures.
- Reducing ant occupation of flowers via extrafloral nectar increases plant reproductive success.
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