Bouchebti S, Levin E. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in flower nectar and its possible physiological and behavioral effects on insect pollinators.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024:101206. [PMID:
38777150 DOI:
10.1016/j.cois.2024.101206]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Floral nectar, a vital nutrition source for pollinators, contains diverse chemical compounds, including γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), a prevalent non-proteinogenic amino acid. While GABA's physiological role is known and well-studied, its ecological significance in plant-pollinator interactions remains unclear. Recent studies on GABA's effects on pollinators' preference, consumption, survival, physiology, and behavior show varying outcomes according to the species, indicating a complex relationship. GABA consumption impacts motor function and cognitive abilities, potentially influencing pollination efficiency. Future research addressing diverse concentrations, species, and behavioral aspects is crucial for comprehensively understanding GABA's ecological role in plant-pollinator interactions.
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