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The complexity of nectar: secretion and resorption dynamically regulate nectar features

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Abstract

In this paper, we review the phenomenon of nectar resorption, focusing on its physiological and ecological meaning. Nectar resorption is a phenomenon that has long been known but was rarely reported until the1990s. It has more recently been demonstrated in several species by various direct and indirect methodologies. It has generally been demonstrated in senescent flowers as a phenomenon separate in time from, and independent of, nectar secretion. The significance of this type of resorption is generally recognized as a resource-recovery strategy, recycling at least some materials invested in nectar production. Nevertheless, nectar resorption can occur concomitantly with nectar secretion. Nectar production is therefore best considered as a unified process comprising nectar secretion and resorption. The modulation of these two opposite phases allows nectar concentration to be maintained in a range suitable for pollinators (nectar homeostasis). The mechanism of nectar resorption at the cell level has received little attention, and its molecular basis can only be hypothesized on the basis of recent studies concerning sugar sensing.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Mgr Robert Cholewinski (CLA, Lublin Agricultural University) for facilities in the Isotope Laboratory and to Claudia Perini (Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Siena) for the translation of German papers. The research was supported by “Piano di Ateneo per la Ricerca” (PAR) of Siena University and by a grant from the Rector of Lublin Agricultural University. The research was also facilitated by an Erasmus programme of teaching staff mobility.

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  1. Department of Environmental Sciences “G. Sarfatti”, Botany Section, Siena University, via P.A. Mattioli, 53100, Siena, Italy

    Massimo Nepi

  2. Department of Botany, Lublin Agricultural University, ul. Akademicka 15, 20-950, Lublin, Poland

    Małgorzata Stpiczyńska

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  1. Massimo Nepi
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  2. Małgorzata Stpiczyńska
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Correspondence to Massimo Nepi.

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Nepi, M., Stpiczyńska, M. The complexity of nectar: secretion and resorption dynamically regulate nectar features. Naturwissenschaften 95, 177–184 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-007-0307-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-007-0307-2

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