Improving flower attractiveness for pollinators: Study of developmental, morphological and chemical cues in relation to bee foraging

The ForBees project aims to enhance bee-pollinator relationships in melon and other Cucurbitaceae crops by investigating flower traits to improve food security and agricultural yields.

Subsidie
€ 2.500.000
2024

Projectdetails

Introduction

Animal pollinators are vital for life on earth. While the human population keeps growing, pollinator populations are dropping, thus threatening food security. In agriculture, the main insect pollinators are bees, by far.

Problem Statement

The lack of knowledge on how domesticated plants attract and reward bees has hampered the selection of varieties with improved and mutually beneficial crop-pollinator relationships.

Research Proposal

We propose to investigate flower features, including developmental, morphological, and chemical cues, in relation to bee foraging. Elucidating the molecular basis of these processes would not only help sustain yields, but it is key to understanding the co-evolution of plants and pollinators.

Model System

We chose melon as a model system because it is a strictly entomophilous crop and provides all flower sexual morphs useful to probe plant-insect interactions.

Project Overview

ForBees is a multidisciplinary project that integrates molecular genetic analysis and precise phenotyping.

  1. Genetic Biodiversity Study
    First, we will study melon genetic biodiversity with the aim to identify alleles that control nectar-related traits and bee attraction. The comparative analysis of wild accessions, landraces, and breeding lines will further test whether domestication led to the loss of useful traits affecting insect visits.

  2. Gene Network Analysis
    Second, we will analyze the gene networks that drive nectar gland development and nectar production.

  3. Validation of Key Regulators
    Finally, potential key regulators will be validated genetically. Through this work, we aim to develop a toolbox to tailor the morphology and chemistry of the flowers towards improved bee foraging activities.

Broader Impact

In addition to research in melon, results from this project, and from previous works, will be translated into neglected crops of the Cucurbitaceae family. These are major food crops in many developing countries, ensuring food security and generating income for poor farmers. Yet, these crops suffer from low fruit set because of partial pollination and would greatly benefit from enhanced breeding tools.

Financiële details & Tijdlijn

Financiële details

Subsidiebedrag€ 2.500.000
Totale projectbegroting€ 2.500.000

Tijdlijn

Startdatum1-1-2024
Einddatum31-12-2028
Subsidiejaar2024

Partners & Locaties

Projectpartners

  • INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE POUR L'AGRICULTURE, L'ALIMENTATION ET L'ENVIRONNEMENTpenvoerder

Land(en)

France

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