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Microbes, the 'silent third partners' of bee-angiosperm mutualisms
Shawn A Steffan1, Prarthana S Dharampal2, Jordan G Kueneman3
1US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1575 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|November 8, 2023
Summary
Microbes are vital
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Microbiology
- Symbiosis
Background:
- Bee-angiosperm mutualisms are crucial for terrestrial ecosystems.
- Microbes have historically been overlooked as key players in these partnerships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reframe the bee-angiosperm relationship as a tripartite mutualism.
- To highlight the active roles of microbes in this symbiosis.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual reframing of existing ecological data.
- Analysis of microbial functions within bee and plant interactions.
Main Results:
- Microbes actively process and protect bee provisions (pollen-nectar).
- Microbes enhance nutrient availability for bee larvae and aid plant fertilization.
- Microbes provide defensive benefits against pathogens for both bees and plants.
Conclusions:
- Microbes are co-equal partners in bee-angiosperm mutualisms.
- Recognizing this tripartite relationship offers a more complete understanding of ecological interactions.
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