BBKA Forum

British Beekeepers Association Official Forum 

  • Interplay of pollinators and pests influences plant evolution

  • Honeybee pests and diseases.
Honeybee pests and diseases.
 #2742  by Chrisbarlow
 16 Apr 2019, 15:10
Brassica rapa plants pollinated by bumblebees evolve more attractive flowers. But this evolution is compromised if caterpillars attack the plant at the same time. With the bees pollinating them less effectively, the plants increasingly self-pollinate. In a greenhouse evolution experiment, scientists have shown just how much the effects of pollinators and pests influence each other.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190411145124.htm