Global warming impairs chemical communication between plants and pollinators

Abstract

Global warming is expected to have a great impact on floral scents and consequently, on the attraction of pollinators. While there is evidence that temperature affects the biosynthesis and emission of floral scents, the effects on chemically mediated pollinator behavior have not been assessed. Here, we show by chemical analytical, electrophysiological, and behavioral approaches that increased air temperatures affect the chemical communication between strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) and its bee pollinators (Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris, Osmia bicornis). Plants cultivated at increased temperatures released smaller amounts and a different composition of floral scent than plants cultivated at physiological optimum temperatures, which translated into a reduced attractiveness to pollinators. Our study highlights for the first time that increased temperatures negatively affect the chemical communication between plants and their pollinators. This raises important ecological and agricultural questions, as impaired communication between plants and their pollinators might result in insufficient pollination with negative consequences for ecosystem functioning and crop yields.