Forced evolution
Down To Earth|January 16, 2024
Plants shift towards self-pollination as they see disruption in interactions with insects due to changes in climate
HIMANSHU N
Forced evolution

DISRUPTION IN interaction between plants and pollinator species is undoing millions of years of co-evolution. In a December 2023 study published in the journal New Phytologist, scientists from the University of Montpellier, France say field pansy (Viola arvensis) has shown rapid evolution towards “selfing syndrome”, in which the predominantly cross-pollinating plant begins to self-pollinate due to weakened interactions with pollinators. New generations of field pansy flowers were 10 per cent smaller, produced 20 per cent less nectar and were less visited by pollinators compared to their ancestors, say the scientists.

Field pansy is a low-growing plant with pale creamy-yellow flowers. The plant is considered a native of southeastern Europe and western and now grows in temperate zones. The scientists used a “resurrection ecology” approach, in which they grew dormant seeds collected from four populations of field pansy in 1990s-2000s, along with their descendants (collected in 2021). They also noted that pollinators have declined in their study region over the past few years.

The study compared various traits, including production of seeds in the presence and absence of pollinators. They also monitored how bumblebees interacted with the grown field pansy populations. The scientists note that in three of the four populations studied, the descendants showed an average increase of 27 per cent in selfing rate compared to ancestors. The plants also showed a marginal increase in the ability to set seeds over time.

Pierre-Olivier Cheptou, co-author and supervisor of the study, says that field pansy is reducing attractiveness and “giving up” on pollinators.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DOWN TO EARTHView all
A SPRIG TO CARE FOR
Down To Earth

A SPRIG TO CARE FOR

Punarnava, a perennial herb, is easy to grow and has huge health benefits

time-read
3 mins  |
November 01, 2024
DIGGING A DISASTER
Down To Earth

DIGGING A DISASTER

Soapstone mining near Dabti Vijaypur village has caused many residents to migrate.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 01, 2024
REVIEW THE TREATMENT
Down To Earth

REVIEW THE TREATMENT

Several faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh suffer from design flaws that make the treatment process both expensive and inefficient

time-read
3 mins  |
November 01, 2024
MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE
Down To Earth

MAKE STEEL SUSTAINABLE

As India works to double its GDP by 2030, its steel industry must balance growth with sustainability. By embracing policies like the Steel Scrap Recycling Policy 2019 and adopting green technologies, India is paving the way for a more sustainable future in steel production

time-read
4 mins  |
November 01, 2024
Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?
Down To Earth

Can ANRF pull off the impossible for India?

Anusandhan National Research Foundation is expected to reorient India's innovation goals but funding issues, old mindsets remain a drag

time-read
4 mins  |
November 01, 2024
TROUBLED WOODS
Down To Earth

TROUBLED WOODS

Forests are a great bulwark against climate change. But this is fast changing. AKSHIT SANGOMLA travels through some of the pristine patches of the Western Ghats to explore how natural disturbances triggered by global warming now threaten the forest health

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 01, 2024
BLINDING GLOW
Down To Earth

BLINDING GLOW

The science is clear: increased illumination has damaging consequences for the health of humans, animals and plants. It’s time governments introduced policies to protect the natural darkness and improved the quality of outdoor lighting.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 01, 2024
GROUND REALITY
Down To Earth

GROUND REALITY

What happens when the soil loses the ability to grow healthy, high-yield crops on its own?

time-read
6 mins  |
November 01, 2024
GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC
Down To Earth

GM POLICY MUST BE FARMER CENTRIC

On July 23, the Supreme Court of India directed the Union government to develop a national policy on genetically modified (GM) crops for research, cultivation, trade and commerce through public consultation.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 01, 2024
Vinchurni's Gandhi
Down To Earth

Vinchurni's Gandhi

A 96-year-old farmer transforms barren land into a thriving forest in drought-prone region of Satara

time-read
2 mins  |
November 01, 2024