High toxin concentration in pollen may deter collection by bees in butterfly-pollinated Rhododendron molle.

ABSTRACT:

Backgrounds and aims

The hypothesis that plants evolve features that protect accessible pollen from consumption by flower visitors remains poorly understood.

Methods

To explore potential chemical defence against pollen consumption, we examined the pollinator assemblage, foraging behaviour, visitation frequency and pollen transfer efficiency in Rhododendron molle, a highly toxic shrub containing rhodojaponin III. Nutrient (protein and lipid) and toxic components in pollen and other tissues were measured.

Key results

Overall in the five populations studied, floral visits by butterflies and bumblebees were relatively more frequent than visits by honeybees. All foraged for nectar but not pollen. Butterflies did not differ from bumblebees in the amount of pollen removed pe

SUBMITTER: Feng HH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11523615 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature