The role of nectar traits and nectary morphoanatomy in the plant-pollinator interaction between Billbergia distachia (Bromeliaceae) and the hermit Phaethornis eurynome (Trochilidae)

Abstract

Nectar production dynamics can show inter- and intraspecific variation, which can be associated with environmental and ecological factors and with the ultrastructural diversity of the floral nectary. In this context, we recorded nectar production dynamics from a morphofunctional perspective using the hummingbird-pollinated Billbergia distachia (Bromeliaceae). The scale-throated hermit Phaethornis eurynome was the only floral visitor observed, indicating a specialized pollination system. Nectar production showed significant differences between day and night, and the periods of major pollinator activity and nectar secretion were synchronous. The ultrastructural features of the nectary showed some evidence of nectar reabsorption in flowers at night, and it can be inferred that this process may be a key factor in the nocturnal pause in nectar production. In this way, nectary morphoanatomy, nectar traits and an energy-saving mechanism through nectar reabsorption contribute to the well-established relationship between B. distachia and P. eurynome.

A Semivolatile Floral Scent Marks the Shift to a Novel Pollination System in Bromeliads

“…The low amount of nectar in flowers of Cryptanthus spp. (no more than 10 mL; our data and Siqueira and Machado 7 ) when compared to hummingbird-pollinated taxa across the Bromeliodeae clade, [46][47][48][49][50][51][52] together with the fact that the most effective pollinators (i.e., male euglossine bees) primarily forage for scent, indicate that nectar is a plesiomorphic trait that might gradually be suppressed across the evolutionary history of the recently evolved Cryptanthus lineage. 8 Perfume flowers have appeared independently in several Neotropical families under distinct evolutionary/ecological contexts.…”

Neotropical bromeliads as food sources for birds: a systematic review and perspectives on the management of ecological interactions

“…2020, Zambon et al . 2020). Bromeliads also provided resources in humid, semi‐humid and dry ecosystems across the Neotropics, in both forested and open habitats.…”

“…ecosystems. Most interactions between birds and bromeliads were observed in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, which was also the most studied bromeliad hotspot(Machado & Semir 2006, Cestari & Pizo 2008, Leal et al 2020, Zambon et al 2020. Bromeliads also provided resources in humid, semihumid and dry ecosystems across the Neotropics, in both forested and open habitats.…”

Nectar Secretion, Morphology, Anatomy and Ultrastructure of Floral Nectary in Selected Rubus idaeus L. Varieties

“…Considering the decline in pollinator abundance, which poses a serious threat to agriculture and food production, studies of the structure and development phases of floral nectaries as well as nectar secretion are extremely important [18]. The morphoanatomical and ultrastructural traits of nectaries are of key importance for elucidation of Agriculture 2022, 12, 1017 2 of 37 the mechanisms of the dynamics of production and characteristics of nectar during anthesis [19]. The CRABS CLAW gene is the main regulator of nectary development in Rosids.…”