Buzzed and Bothered: Investigating the Impact of Addictive Plant Alkaloids on Bumblebee Behavior

Additional Authors

Joshua Foley, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

Abstract

The relationship between plants and pollinators is often viewed as a strict food-for-service exchange in which plants provide nutritious rewards (nectar, pollen) for pollinators in exchange for the dispersal of plants’ gametes (pollen). Yet in addition to provisioning key nutrients, the floral rewards of many plants contain diverse chemical compounds whose functions are mysterious or even puzzling. For example, many floral rewards contain plant secondary compounds that have are traditionally classified as defensive toxins. Some of these “toxins” include neuroactive alkaloids that affect pollinator cognitive functions such as learning and motivation, suggesting dual roles for these phytochemicals. We are investigating the behavioral and physiological responses of generalist pollinators (Bombus impatiens bumblebees) to three psychoactive plant alkaloids – caffeine, nicotine, and morphine – using robotic flowers. Pollinator preference and performance assays are coupled with pollen transfer experiments to identify potential tradeoffs or conflicts in alkaloid-mediated plant-pollinator interactions, and to assess the potential for hijacking of pollinator behaviors by plants. Investigations into plant manipulation of pollinator preference is particularly salient given that some pollinators have even found to exhibit addictive behaviors to neonicotinoid insecticides. With a better understanding of how floral reward chemistry affects pollinator cognition, behavior, and foraging decisions, we hope to work towards reconciling the seemingly contradictory forces that shape plant–insect coevolution and drive plant chemodiversity.

Start Time

16-4-2025 9:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 10:00 AM

Room Number

303

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

Grad/Comp Orals

Presentation Category

Science, Technology and Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Melissa Whitaker

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Apr 16th, 9:00 AM Apr 16th, 10:00 AM

Buzzed and Bothered: Investigating the Impact of Addictive Plant Alkaloids on Bumblebee Behavior

303

The relationship between plants and pollinators is often viewed as a strict food-for-service exchange in which plants provide nutritious rewards (nectar, pollen) for pollinators in exchange for the dispersal of plants’ gametes (pollen). Yet in addition to provisioning key nutrients, the floral rewards of many plants contain diverse chemical compounds whose functions are mysterious or even puzzling. For example, many floral rewards contain plant secondary compounds that have are traditionally classified as defensive toxins. Some of these “toxins” include neuroactive alkaloids that affect pollinator cognitive functions such as learning and motivation, suggesting dual roles for these phytochemicals. We are investigating the behavioral and physiological responses of generalist pollinators (Bombus impatiens bumblebees) to three psychoactive plant alkaloids – caffeine, nicotine, and morphine – using robotic flowers. Pollinator preference and performance assays are coupled with pollen transfer experiments to identify potential tradeoffs or conflicts in alkaloid-mediated plant-pollinator interactions, and to assess the potential for hijacking of pollinator behaviors by plants. Investigations into plant manipulation of pollinator preference is particularly salient given that some pollinators have even found to exhibit addictive behaviors to neonicotinoid insecticides. With a better understanding of how floral reward chemistry affects pollinator cognition, behavior, and foraging decisions, we hope to work towards reconciling the seemingly contradictory forces that shape plant–insect coevolution and drive plant chemodiversity.