University of Vienna researchers reveal mechanism of targeted pollen dispersal

Botanists at the University of Vienna have discovered how certain plants use specialized structures to optimize pollen dispersal during vibration pollination. A study published in ‘Nature Communications’ examined 523 plant species that rely on wild bees and bumblebees to vibrate their anthers to release pollen.

The research, led by Agnes Dellinger, reveals that the shape of the pores in the anthers determines the method of release. Some plants, such as those in the Solanaceae family (including tomatoes and eggplants), release pollen in broad clouds. However, certain tropical plants in the Melastomataceae family possess shovel-like structures at their pores.

These shovels allow the plants to eject pollen in narrow, high-speed jets. This mechanism is believed to improve pollination success by targeting specific areas on a bee’s body where pollen is harder to remove and by anchoring the pollen deeper within the insect's hairs.