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Janeček Š, Chmel K, Ewome FL, Hrubá K, Klomberg Y, Kobe IN, Kouede RD, Mertens JEJ, Njie MM, Tropek R. Differences in Nectar Traits between Ornithophilous and Entomophilous Plants on Mount Cameroon. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:1161. [PMID: 34200999 PMCID: PMC8226534 DOI: 10.3390/plants10061161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite a growing number of studies, the role of pollinators as a selection agent for nectar traits remains unclear. Moreover, the lack of data from some biogeographic regions prohibits us from determining their general importance and global patterns. We analyzed nectar carbohydrate traits and determined the main pollinators of 66 plant species in the tropical forests of Mount Cameroon (tropical West Africa). The measured nectar traits included total sugar amounts and proportions of sucrose and hexoses (i.e., glucose and fructose). We report the nectar properties for plants visited by five pollinator groups (bees, butterflies, moths, hoverflies, and specialized birds). Our results indicate that, rather than specific evolution in each of the five plant groups, there was a unique nectar-trait evolution in plants pollinated by specialized birds. The ornithophilous plants had a higher proportion of sucrose and produced larger sugar amounts than the plants pollinated by insects. We also demonstrated a significant phylogenetic signal in the nectar properties in some lineages of the studied plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Štěpán Janeček
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (K.C.); (Y.K.); (I.N.K.); (J.E.J.M.); (R.T.)
| | - Kryštof Chmel
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (K.C.); (Y.K.); (I.N.K.); (J.E.J.M.); (R.T.)
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, CZ-370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | | | - Karolína Hrubá
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, CZ-370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, CZ-370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Yannick Klomberg
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (K.C.); (Y.K.); (I.N.K.); (J.E.J.M.); (R.T.)
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Darwinweg 2, 2233 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ishmeal N. Kobe
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (K.C.); (Y.K.); (I.N.K.); (J.E.J.M.); (R.T.)
| | - Raissa Dywou Kouede
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Herzing University, 1865 SR 436, Winter Park, Orlando, FL 32792, USA;
| | - Jan E. J. Mertens
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (K.C.); (Y.K.); (I.N.K.); (J.E.J.M.); (R.T.)
| | - Marcus Mokake Njie
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 63, Cameroon;
| | - Robert Tropek
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic; (K.C.); (Y.K.); (I.N.K.); (J.E.J.M.); (R.T.)
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, CZ-370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
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Brock RE, Cini A, Sumner S. Ecosystem services provided by aculeate wasps. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:1645-1675. [PMID: 33913243 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The aculeate wasps are one of the most diverse and speciose insect taxa; they are omnipresent across ecosystems and exhibit diverse co-evolutionary and exploitative associations with other organisms. There is widespread conjecture that aculeate wasps are likely to perform essential ecological and economic services of importance to the health, well-being and nutritional needs of our planet. However, the scope and nature of the ecosystem services they provide are not well understood relative to other insect groups (e.g. bees, butterflies, beetles); an appreciation of their value is further tarnished by their public reputation as pointless pests. Here, we conduct the first comprehensive review of how aculeate wasps contribute to the four main areas of ecosystem services: regulatory, provisioning, supporting and cultural services. Uniting data from a large but previously disconnected literature on solitary and social aculeate wasps, we provide a synthesis on how these insects perform important ecosystem services as parasites, predators, biological indicators, pollinators, decomposers and seed dispersers; and their additional services as a sustainable alternative to meat for human consumption, and medicinal potential as sources of research leads for anti-microbials and cancer treatments. We highlight how aculeate wasps offer substantial, but largely overlooked, economic benefits through their roles in natural pest management and biological control programs. Accordingly, we provide data-driven arguments for reasons to consider the ecosystem service value of aculeate wasps on a par with other 'useful' insects (e.g. bees). Finally, we provide a research roadmap identifying the key areas of research required to capitalise better on the services provided by these important insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E Brock
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, U.K
| | - Alessandro Cini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.,Centre for Biodiversity & Environment Research, University College London, Medawar Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Seirian Sumner
- Centre for Biodiversity & Environment Research, University College London, Medawar Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
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Evolutionary and Ecological Considerations on Nectar-Mediated Tripartite Interactions in Angiosperms and Their Relevance in the Mediterranean Basin. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10030507. [PMID: 33803275 PMCID: PMC7999006 DOI: 10.3390/plants10030507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Mediterranean basin hosts a high diversity of plants and bees, and it is considered one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Insect pollination, i.e., pollen transfer from male reproductive structures to conspecific female ones, was classically thought to be a mutualistic relationship that links these two groups of organisms, giving rise to an admirable and complex network of interactions. Although nectar is often involved in mediating these interactions, relatively little is known about modifications in its chemical traits during the evolution of plants. Here, we examine how the current sucrose-dominated floral nectar of most Mediterranean plants could have arisen in the course of evolution of angiosperms. The transition from hexose-rich to sucrose-rich nectar secretion was probably triggered by increasing temperature and aridity during the Cretaceous period, when most angiosperms were radiating. This transition may have opened new ecological niches for new groups of insects that were co-diversifying with angiosperms and for specific nectar-dwelling yeasts that originated later (i.e., Metschnikowiaceae). Our hypothesis embeds recent discoveries in nectar biology, such as the involvement of nectar microbiota and nectar secondary metabolites in shaping interactions with pollinators, and it suggests a complex, multifaceted ecological and evolutionary scenario that we are just beginning to discover.
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Xiong S, Yu K, Yao H, Wang F, Fang Q, Song Q, Ye G. Effects of sugar sources on adult longevity, survival and related gene expression in an endoparasitoid, Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:1282-1291. [PMID: 33063928 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult parasitic wasps take sugars to meet their energy needs and display different lifespans and fertility in response to different sugar sources. Pteromalus puparum is an endoparasitoid with a wide range of hosts, including many lepidopteran pests. As a potential natural enemy resource, the availability of sugar sources has profound effects for wasp applications and host populations dynamics. RESULTS We assessed the effect of feeding sucrose and honey on the lifespan of P. puparum in the range 0-40% (w/v). The results indicated a statistically significant positive effect of sucrose and honey solutions on the lifespan of P. puparum female adults. Correlation analyses confirmed a strong positive correlation between high concentrations of sugar and extended lifespan. The optimum concentration of sucrose solution for wasps was 20%, while 10% for honey. Then, we examined the expression patterns of 15 lifespan-related genes. The results showed that the relative expression levels of 14 genes were significantly correlated with the mean lifespan of sucrose-fed wasps, and six genes correlated with the mean lifespan of honey-fed wasps. In addition, the models for lifespan prediction were constructed. CONCLUSION We elaborated the quantitative effects of two sugar sources (sucrose and honey) on P. puparum lifespan, investigated the expression patterns of lifespan-related genes when fed different sugar sources, and developed round lifespan prediction models accordingly. This study provides a novel tool for studying the longevity regulating mechanisms of parasitic wasps, and may be instructive for mass-production of parasitoids as biological control agents. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijiao Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaili Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Gongyin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Jachuła J, Konarska A, Denisow B. Micromorphological and histochemical attributes of flowers and floral reward in Linaria vulgaris (Plantaginaceae). PROTOPLASMA 2018; 255:1763-1776. [PMID: 29862424 PMCID: PMC6208823 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-018-1269-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The self-incompatible flowers of Linaria vulgaris have developed a range of mechanisms for attraction of insect visitors/pollinators and deterrence of ineffective pollinators and herbivores. These adaptive traits include the flower size and symmetry, the presence of a spur as a "secondary nectar presenter," olfactory (secondary metabolites) and sensual (scent, flower color, nectar guide-contrasting palate) signals, and floral rewards, i.e. pollen and nectar. Histochemical tests revealed that the floral glandular trichomes produced essential oils and flavonoids, and pollen grains contained flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids, which play a role of olfactory attractants/repellents. The nectary gland is disc-shaped and located at the base of the ovary. Nectar is secreted through numerous modified stomata. Nectar secretion began in the bud stage and lasted to the end of anthesis. The amount of produced nectar depended on the flower age and ranged from 0.21 to 3.95 mg/flower (mean = 1.51 mg). The concentration of sugars in the nectar reached up to 57.0%. Both the nectar amount and sugar concentration demonstrated a significant year and population effect. Pollen production was variable between the years of the study. On average, a single flower of L. vulgaris produced 0.31 mg of pollen. The spectrum of insect visitors in the flowers of L. vulgaris differed significantly between populations. In the urban site, Bombus terrestris and Apis mellifera were the most common visitors, while a considerable number of visits of wasps and syrphid flies were noted in the rural site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Jachuła
- Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka St., 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agata Konarska
- Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka St., 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | - Bożena Denisow
- Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka St., 20-950, Lublin, Poland.
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Tiedge K, Lohaus G. Nectar sugars and amino acids in day- and night-flowering Nicotiana species are more strongly shaped by pollinators' preferences than organic acids and inorganic ions. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176865. [PMID: 28467507 PMCID: PMC5415175 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Floral nectar contains mainly sugars but also amino acids, organic acids, inorganic ions and secondary compounds to attract pollinators. The genus Nicotiana exhibits great diversity among species in floral morphology, flowering time, nectar compositions, and predominant pollinators. We studied nectar samples of 20 Nicotiana species, composed equally of day- and night-flowering plants and attracting different groups of pollinators (e.g. hummingbirds, moths or bats) to investigate whether sugars, amino acids, organic acids and inorganic ions are influenced by pollinator preferences. Glucose, fructose and sucrose were the only sugars found in the nectar of all examined species. Sugar concentration of the nectar of day-flowering species was 20% higher and amino acid concentration was 2-3-fold higher compared to the nectar of night-flowering species. The sucrose-to-hexose ratio was significantly higher in night-flowering species and the relative share of sucrose based on the total sugar correlated with the flower tube length in the nocturnal species. Flowers of different tobacco species contained varying volumes of nectar which led to about 150-fold higher amounts of total sugar per flower in bat- or sunbird-pollinated species than in bee-pollinated or autogamous species. This difference was even higher for total amino acids per flower (up to 1000-fold). As a consequence, some Nicotiana species invest large amounts of organic nitrogen for certain pollinators. Higher concentrations of inorganic ions, predominantly anions, were found in nectar of night-flowering species. Therefore, higher anion concentrations were also associated with pollinator types active at night. Malate, the main organic acid, was present in all nectar samples but the concentration was not correlated with pollinator type. In conclusion, statistical analyses revealed that pollinator types have a stronger effect on nectar composition than phylogenetic relations. In this context, nectar sugars and amino acids are more strongly correlated with the preferences of predominant pollinators than organic acids and inorganic ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Tiedge
- Molecular Plant Science/ Plant Biochemistry, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Gertrud Lohaus
- Molecular Plant Science/ Plant Biochemistry, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
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Rodríguez-Riaño T, Valtueña FJ, López J, Navarro-Pérez ML, Pérez-Bote JL, Ortega-Olivencia A. Evolution of the staminode in a representative sample of Scrophularia and its role as nectar safeguard in three widespread species. Naturwissenschaften 2015; 102:37. [PMID: 26040240 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-015-1284-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 30% of the genera of Scrophulariaceae s.str. have a staminode, which is the remnant of a sterile stamen. However, there are no studies of the functionality or evolutionary pattern of staminodes in that family. This paper investigates three Scrophularia species with different staminode sizes to determine if the staminode safeguards nectar from dilution by rainwater and if it influences pollinator behavior. We also study staminode evolution and ancestral state reconstruction onto a phylogeny containing 71 species and subspecies with four different staminode developmental stages: tiny, large, enormous, and absent. The results showed that large staminodes did not hinder nectar collection or modify pollinator-visiting time but acted as a barrier to reduce rainwater entry. The latter reduced the dilution of nectar, which did not occur with tiny staminodes. The phylogenetic study revealed that the ancestral state in the genus corresponds with the presence of a large staminode vs. the tiny and enormous staminodes that are considered as derived. The complete disappearance of the staminode has occurred independently at least twice. Events occurred that increased or reduced the staminode size in one of the clades (Clade II), which includes species of sect. Caninae; most of these events occurred during the Pleistocene (0.6-2.7 Ma).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Rodríguez-Riaño
- Área de Botánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda. de Elvas s/n, 06006, Badajoz, Spain
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