Researchers at the University of Turin have made a groundbreaking discovery that plants increase nectar production in response to pollinator buzzing sounds. A team led by Professor Francesca Barbero studied how plants react to different insect sounds, including wing flapping and body buzzing.
The study found that when bees buzz near flowers, they trigger an increase in sugar and nectar volume, as well as alter gene expression related to sugar transport and production. This response may be a survival strategy for plants, allowing them to modify pollinator behavior and improve reproductive success.
The discovery has significant implications for the treatment of economically relevant plants and crops. If sounds from plants can attract suitable pollinators, it could lead to increased yields and improved pollination services. Further research is ongoing to compare responses to different pollinators and environmental factors.
Barbero’s findings will be presented at the joint 188th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and 25th International Congress on Acoustics in May.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-05-nectar-production-response-pollinator.html