In the nectar, there are answers: exploring the intersection of colored nectars and reactive oxygen species in manipulating pollinator behavior

Abstract

Nectar, a vital mediator of plant–pollinator interactions, exhibits remarkable chemical diversity beyond sugars, including reactive oxygen species and specialized metabolites such as pigments. Colored nectars, present in over 70 species, function as visual signals, inhibitors of microbial growth, or nutritional rewards, underscoring their ecological importance. Reactive oxygen species contribute to pigment formation and nectar stability, highlighting their dual roles in nectar chemistry and defense. Advances in analytical techniques and interdisciplinary research have highlighted the complex interplay between nectar composition, pollinator behavior, and microbial communities, emphasizing nectar's multifaceted roles in plant fitness and ecosystem dynamics.