New insights in the development and dynamics of floral nectar to improve the survival of insect pollinators and the pollination of cucurbits – NECTAR
New insights in the development and dynamics of floral nectar to improve the survival of insect pollinators and the pollination of cucurbits
Yields have risen steadily throughout the history of human cultivation. However, in the course of last decades pollinator decline have emerged as a major threat. This is more tragic, knowing that yields of 87 out of 115 leading global food crops depend of animal-mediated pollination with bees as mean vectors. Our project addresses the challenge to bring new insights to genes controlling key traits related to floral nectar secretion, pollination and resources to pollinators.
Characterisation of melon accessions in relationship with plant-bee interaction; Provide new insights on the gene networks controlling key components of plant-pollinator interaction
The NECTAR project addresses the challenge of improving the current understanding of nectary development and nectar secretion in relation with pollinator foraging, key traits that impact fruit yield, its stability, and food availability for bees. To achieve this goal, we propose a multidisciplinary approach that tackles the problem at the population level as well as the organ level.
The project is articulated around three scientific axes. The first axis of research is dedicated to phenotypic characterization of a core collection of melon accessions for nectar related traits, predicted to affect foraging activity and behavior of pollinators. The second axis of research is dedicated to the characterization of the gene networks controlling nectary development and maturation, in relation with nectar production and secretion. Through our integrative analysis, of data produced at the population level (first axis of research) and organ level (second axis of research), we anticipate to identify a list of candidate genes controlling nectary development and nectar secretion. The third axis of research is dedicated to the genetic validation of these candidate genes, in relation to foraging activity and behavior of bees.
A melon core-collection representing melon genetic biodiversity was constructed and being phenotyped for Nectar related traits and bees attractiveness
Genetic validation of key candidate genes, in relation to foraging activity and behavior of bees.
1. Slavkovic F, Dogimont C, Morin H, Boualem A, Bendahmane A. (2020) The Genetic Control of Nectary Development. Trends Plant Sci. 25:S1360-1385(20)30338-1
The NECTAR project addresses the challenge of improving the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling nectary development, nectar production and secretion, on foraging activity and behavior of bees. To achieve this goal, we propose a multidisciplinary approach that tackles the problem at the population level as well as the organ level. The project is articulated around three scientific axes. The first axis of research is dedicated to phenotypic characterization of a core collection of melon accessions for nectar related traits, predicted to affect foraging activity and behavior of pollinators. Our melon core collection is made of landraces, cultivars and lines previously identified as nectarless. The second axis of research is dedicated to the characterization of the gene networks controlling nectary development and maturation, in relation with nectar production and secretion, in unisexual flowers. This axis will reveal significant overlaps in differential genes and metabolites, in metabolic pathways that play a role in nectar gland development and nectar metabolisms. Through our integrative analysis, of data produced at the population level (first axis of research) and organ level (second axis of research), we anticipate to identify a list of candidate genes controlling nectary development and nectar secretion. The third axis of research is dedicated to the genetic validation of these candidate genes, in relation to foraging activity and behavior of bees. Our challenge is to link the genetic model to nectar-related traits to enhance crop-pollinator interactions. NECTAR is a multidisciplinary project that gathers expertise in omics, genetics, and plant-pollinator interactions.
Project coordination
Abdelhafid Bendahmane (Institut des Sciences des Plantes de Paris Saclay)
The author of this summary is the project coordinator, who is responsible for the content of this summary. The ANR declines any responsibility as for its contents.
Partnership
IPS2 Institut des Sciences des Plantes de Paris Saclay
GAFL Génétique et Amélioration des Fruits et Légumes
INRA PACA - AE Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique – centre de recherche PACA - Abeilles et Environnement
Help of the ANR 520,623 euros
Beginning and duration of the scientific project:
December 2019
- 48 Months
