Nectar chemistry

Abstract

Nectar properties tend to be similar for plants visited by the same kinds of pollinators, and much of the available information on nectar chemistry has been collected in the context of pollination syndromes. These are defined as broad associations between floral features and types of animal pollinators (Faegri & van der Pijl, 1979; Proctor et al., 1996) and are discussed further by Nicolson (2007, Chapter 7 in this volume). Faegri and van der Pijl included nectar volume in their classic descriptions of the various syndromes. The concept was extended to include nectar chemistry (specifically sugar and amino acid content and composition) in the influential reviews of Baker and Baker (1982a 1983b). Herbert and Irene Baker analysed many different substances in nectar and were largely responsible for drawing attention to its chemical complexity. However, the adaptive significance of nectar components has perhaps been overemphasized and is now being examined more critically.