Temperature and relative humidity effects on nectar quantity, nectar quality, and plant-pollinator interactions
Abstract
Nectar plays a critical role in attracting pollinators, thereby facilitating pollination and the spread of pollen. Nectar traits like volume and sugar concentration are strongly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and relative humidity. Yet, there is little understanding of how these environmental and biological variables combine to influence the ability for a plant to attract insect pollinators. This study examined how temperature and relative humidity influence nectar volume and sugar concentration, and how these factors, in turn, affect pollinator visitation rates. We conducted this research at three subalpine wildflower meadows in Gunnison County, Colorado, from July 2 to August 1, 2025. We surveyed plant-pollinator interactions, collected ambient temperature and relative humidity data, and examined nectar volume and sugar concentration. Using mixed effects models, we found that an increasing temperature significantly increased nectar volume but decreased sugar concentration. Similarly, higher relative humidity led to a significant increase in nectar volume and a significant decrease in concentration. Notably, higher relative humidity and nectar volume were associated with a statistically significant increase in pollinator visitation rates. In contrast, temperature and nectar concentration did not have a statistically significant effect on visitation. These findings highlight the importance of environmental conditions in shaping plant–pollinator interactions. Understanding how temperature and humidity influence nectar traits and pollinator behavior is essential for predicting the impacts of climate change on ecological relationships. Key words plant-pollinator interactions, nectar concentration, nectar volume, temperature, relative humidity
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