Variability in bumblebee pollination buzzes affects the quantity of pollen released from flowers

摘要: Buzz-pollination is a plant strategy that promotes gamete transfer by requiring pollinator, typically bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea), to vibrate flower's anthers in order extract pollen. Although buzz-pollination widespread angiosperms with over 20,000 species using it, little known about the functional connection between natural variation buzzing vibrations and amount of pollen can be extracted from anthers. We characterized variability produced Bombus terrestris bumblebees while collecting Solanum rostratum (Solanaceae), buzz-pollinated plant. found substantial several properties both within among workers single colony. As expected, some this was predicted physical attributes individual bumblebees: heavier buzzes greater amplitude. then constructed artificial "pollination buzzes" varied three parameters (peak frequency, peak amplitude, duration), stimulated S. flowers these synthetic quantify relationship buzz removal. amplitude longer duration ejected substantially more pollen, frequency had no directional effect only weak quadratic on removed. These findings suggest foraging may improve collection increasing or their buzzes. Moreover, given positively correlated mass, preferential likely result largest yields per bee, could have significant consequences for success colony flowers.