Claim · model-written summary
Nectar secondary metabolites may preserve nectar nutrients against microbial degradation and reduce disease levels in pollinators.
- Taxon
- Plantt0
- Outcome
- preservation of nutrients in nectar from degradation and reduction in disease levels in pollinatorse0
Not reportedMaterialGeneCompoundOrgan / stageInteractorInteractor roleSecond interactorSecond interactor roleTreatmentComparatorSettingDirectionValueQualifier
Verbatim
e0“microbial activity including preservation of nutrients in nectar from degradation and reduction in disease levels in pollinators”
t0“Plant secondary metabolites in nectar”
Title
Plant secondary metabolites in nectar: impacts on pollinators and ecological functions
Philip C. Stevenson; Susan W. Nicolson; Geraldine A. Wright Functional Ecology 2016. doi:10.1111/1365-2435.12761
Other claims from this paper (10)
- Observation The review finds evidence that nectar secondary metabolites can mediate specialization in plant–pollinator interactions.
- Observation The review finds potential for nectar secondary metabolites to protect nectar from robbery or larceny.
- Observation Nectar secondary metabolites can be toxic or repellent to flower visitors.
- Observation Nectar secondary metabolites can go undetected or make nectar more apparent or attractive to flower visitors.
- Association The biological effects of nectar secondary metabolites depend on concentration.
- Observation At naturally occurring concentrations, nectar caffeine improves honeybee memory for food reward odours.
- Observation Nectar caffeine enhances pollen transfer at naturally occurring concentrations.
- Observation At higher concentrations, nectar caffeine repels honeybees.
- Mechanism The review supports selection for nectar secondary metabolites as an adaptation driving co-evolution between plants and pollinators.
- Mechanism Nectar metabolites may instead reflect their defensive role elsewhere in the plant.