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