Analysis of Floral Nectar Secretion and Plant-pollinator Interactions Based on Flower Characteristics of 18 Honey Plant Species

Son, M.W.; Lee, K.H.; Jung, C.E.

Analysis of Floral Nectar Secretion and Plant-pollinator Interactions Based on Flower Characteristics of 18 Honey Plant Species

2023

Son, M.W. | Lee, K.H. | Jung, C.E.

Honey plants provide nectar and pollen to diverse pollinators. The increase in land use has led to the destruction of food sources and habitats for pollinators, significantly threatening the diversity and abundance of pollinators. Measuring the nectar secretion amount from the flower and also from the tree is an important step assessing the qualification of the honey plant. We aim to analyze the flower characteristics and nectar secretion quantities of honey plants distributed near forests and agricultural areas in mid Korea. In addition, the pollinator interaction was analyzed based on the inflorescence characteristics of the 18 plants. The nectar secretion volume per flower was highest in the Firmiana simplex at 1.60±0.13 μL, while it was lowest in the Acer palmatum at 0.02±0.00 μL. The number of pollinator species that participated in the honey plant-pollinator interaction was 46 species, 38 genera and 24 families with 4,405 interactions. From all tree species, either Apis mellifera or Apis cerana was the predominant flower vistor. The analysis of floral characteristics and pollinator interactions revealed that the panicle inflorescence shape, rosaceous corolla shape, and yellow corolla color represented the highest frequency of visits by pollinators. The results explain the possible reason for selective attraction to some honey plants.

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