Yeast–Bacterium Interactions: The Next Frontier in Nectar Research. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Álvarez-Pérez, Sergio; Lievens, Bart; Fukami, Tadashi
• Is Part Of: Trends in plant science. Volume 24:Number 5(2019)
• Page Start: 393
• Page End: 401
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: biological interactions -- community assembly -- floral nectar -- microbes -- pollination; Botany -- Periodicals; Botanique -- Périodiques; Botany; Periodicals; 580.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2019.01.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-1385

Abstract

Abstract : Beyond its role as a reward for pollinators, floral nectar also provides a habitat for specialized and opportunistic yeasts and bacteria. These microbes modify nectar chemistry, often altering mutualistic relationships between plants and pollinators in ways that we are only beginning to understand. Many studies on this multi-partite system have focused on either yeasts or bacteria without consideration of yeast–bacterium interactions, but recent evidence suggests that such interactions drive the assembly of nectar microbial communities and its consequences for pollination. Unexplored potential mechanisms of yeast–bacterium interactions include the formation of physical complexes, nutritional interactions, antibiosis, signaling-based interactions, and horizontal gene transfer. We argue that studying these mechanisms can elucidate how nectar microbial communities are established and affect plant fitness via pollinators. Highlights: Floral nectar is inhabited by specialized and opportunistic yeasts and bacteria that can alter the mutualistic relationships between plants and animals. Most previous studies in nectar microbiology have focused on either yeasts or bacteria without consideration of yeast–bacterium interactions. Potential mechanisms of yeast–bacterium interactions in floral nectar include the formation of physical complexes, nutritional interactions, antibiosis, signaling-based interactions, and horizontal gene transfer. The combined action of these mechanisms might have unexpected consequences for the host plants and their floral visitors.