Pollination mechanisms and adaptations in flower and ornamental crops- A review

Abstract

Pollination mechanisms and adaptation strategies pertaining to flower is a prerequisite for determining a successful flower breeding programme. Apart from knowledge regarding conventional breeding methodologies it provides necessary information regarding co-evolutionary process between plant and pollinators which is helpful further for conserving endangered ornamental plant species by protecting the plant specific pollinators. Plants and their pollinators form a mutualistic relationship, a relationship in which each benefits from the other. Though most of the flowers provides reward in form of pollen, scent, nectar etc. but deceptive systems can also be found among a diverse group of plants, the flowers of which signal the presence of a resource without providing it. Deceptive flowers have accordingly evolved the ability to emit signals that trigger obligate innate responses in the targeted insects. Floral thermogenesis being another typical adaptation strategy which plays a crucial role in pollination biology, especially in plant–pollinator interactions.