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The vulnerability of pollen and fungal spores to ant secretions: evidence and some evolutionary implications.

A. J. Beattie, C. Turnbull, T. Hough, S. Jobson, R. B. Knox

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The quality of Brassica and Acacia pollen is adversely affected by exposure to secretions drawn from the metapleural gland of Myrmecia nigriscapa. The metapleural gland produces a powerful antibiotic. The antibiosis that results from its activity alleviates the attacks of microorganisms in nest cavities, and incidentally kills pollen grains, possibly blocking the evolution of ant pollination systems.-from Authors

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)606-614
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican Journal of Botany
Volume72
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 1985
Externally publishedYes

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