Plants, Pollinators and Pheromones: Promises and Lies of Semiochemicals

Pollination is traditionally regarded as a quintessential mutualism, yet many plants employ deceptive strategies to achieve reproductive success. Among the most intriguing is sexual deception, wherein flowers mimic the sex pheromones and visual signals of female insects to attract male pollinators-without providing any reward. This strategy, most notably observed in orchids, is a powerful driver of diversification and speciation. Recent advances in genomics, metabolomics, and high-resolution imaging are shedding light on the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underpinning these complex mimicry systems. Remarkably, subtle genetic modifications and the repurposing of existing gene networks can give rise to highly specialized and effective forms of deception. Central to this process are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which serve as species-specific semiochemicals that manipulate innate pollinator behaviors and reinforce reproductive isolation. This review synthesizes emerging insights into floral semiochemistry and highlights its broader applications in pollinator surveillance, crop pollination enhancement, and biodiversity monitoring. As global pollinator populations face increasing threats, understanding floral chemical ecology offers promising avenues for designing pollinator-friendly crops and advancing tools in synthetic ecology.