Pollination strategies are exceptionally complex in southwestern Australia – a globally significant ancient biodiversity hotspot

Brundrett, Mark C.; Ladd, Philip G.; Keighery, Greg J.

doi:10.1071/bt23007

Aust. J. Bot.

2024

DOI: 10.1071/bt23007

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Pollination strategies are exceptionally complex in southwestern Australia – a globally significant ancient biodiversity hotspot

Mark C. Brundrett,

Philip G. Ladd,

Greg J. Keighery

Abstract: Pollination strategies are exceptionally complex in southwestern Australiaa globally significant ancient biodiversity hotspot.

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Evidence of introduced honeybees (Apis mellifera) as pollen wasters in orchid pollination

Scaccabarozzi,

Guzzetti,

Pioltelli

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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Biological invasions threaten global biodiversity, altering landscapes, ecosystems, and mutualistic relationships like pollination. Orchids are one of the most threatened plant families, yet the impact of invasive bees on their reproduction remains poorly understood. We conduct a global literature survey on the incidence of invasive honeybees (Apis mellifera) on orchid pollination, followed by a study case on Australian orchids. Our literature survey shows that Apis mellifera is the primary alien bee visiting orchids worldwide. However, in most cases, introduced honeybees do not deposit orchid pollen. We also test the extent to which introduced honeybees affect orchid pollination using Diuris brumalis and D. magnifica. Diuris brumalis shows higher fruit set and pollination in habitats with both native and invasive bees compared to habitats with only introduced bees. Male and female reproductive success in D. magnifica increases with native bee abundance, while conversely pollinator efficiency decreases with honeybee abundance and rises with habitat size. Our results suggest that introduced honeybees are likely involved in pollen removal but do not effectively deposit orchid pollen, acting as pollen wasters. However, Apis mellifera may still contribute to pollination of Diuris where native bees no longer exist. Given the global occurrence of introduced honeybees, we warn that certain orchids may suffer from pollen depletion by these invaders, especially in altered habitats with compromised pollination communities.

show abstract

Evidence of introduced honeybees (Apis mellifera) as pollen wasters in orchid pollination

Scaccabarozzi,

Guzzetti,

Pioltelli

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

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Pollination strategies are exceptionally complex in southwestern Australia – a globally significant ancient biodiversity hotspot

Abstract: Pollination strategies are exceptionally complex in southwestern Australiaa globally significant ancient biodiversity hotspot.

Cited by 1 publication

References 254 publications

Evidence of introduced honeybees (Apis mellifera) as pollen wasters in orchid pollination

Evidence of introduced honeybees (Apis mellifera) as pollen wasters in orchid pollination

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