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Title: The developmental basis of floral nectary diversity and evolution
Summary Nectar is a central bridge between angiosperms and animal mutualists. It is produced by specialized structures termed nectaries, which can be found on different plant organs. Consumption of floral nectar by pollinators and the subsequent transfer of pollen contribute to the reproductive success of both angiosperms and their pollinators. Floral nectaries have evolved many times independently, feature diverse structural organizations, and produce nectars with various compositions, which cater to a wide range of pollinators. While the nectary and its nectar have been documented for two millennia, many aspects of nectary biology are still unknown. Recent advances in genetics, genomics, and comparative analyses across diverse species have accelerated our understanding of floral nectary structures and the genetic circuits behind their formation and evolution. In this review, we summarize the recent breakthroughs in nectary research and provide a macroevolutionary framework of floral nectary evolution, focusing on the genetic mechanisms that drive nectary development and shape nectary diversity.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2305493
PAR ID:
10644261
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley-Blackwell
Date Published:
Journal Name:
New Phytologist
Volume:
246
Issue:
6
ISSN:
0028-646X
Page Range / eLocation ID:
2462 to 2477
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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