Thermogenesis‐derived spatiotemporal microclimates guide pollinator movement to ensure pollination
7 affiliations
- 1State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100093 China
- 2University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
- 3State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden Chinese Academy of Sciences Mengla 666303 China
- 4State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Institute of Apicultural Research Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100093 China
- 5Key Laboratory for Insect‐Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Beijing 100093 China
- 6Hainan Key Laboratory for Biology of Tropical Ornamental Plants Resources, College of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry Hainan University Haikou 570228 China
- 7Hainan Institute of National Park Haikou 570203 China
Abstract
Thermogenesis represents one of the oldest pollination traits; yet, the ecological function of the microclimates that it creates remains poorly understood. Here, we elucidate how the spatiotemporally dynamic microclimate of Alocasia odora orchestrates pollinator movement within its inflorescence. Upregulation of alternative oxidase (AOX) in the upper spadix generates a steep, diurnally fluctuating thermal gradient against the non‐thermogenic lower chamber, forming a “thermal map”. We demonstrate that this thermal push–pull mechanism, interacting synergistically with the insects' innate requirements, drives the cyclical vertical movements of its specialized Colocasiomyia pollinators. While strict feeding requirements establish a baseline preference for the lower sterile zone, species‐specific oviposition preferences dictate their distinct movement trajectories. Specifically, C. xenalocasiae primarily drives pollen importation, whereas C. alocasiae acts as the dominant contributor to pollen exportation. In contrast, floral scent primarily functions in long‐distance pollinator attraction, while light plays only a minor modulatory role in this fine‐scale within‐inflorescence navigation. Our comparative analysis reveals a prevalent spatiotemporal separation of sexual organs across thermogenic flowers globally. We therefore propose that microclimate‐guided pollinator movement—where thermal gradients overcome structural constraints to ensure reproductive success—constitutes a widespread, yet underappreciated evolutionary strategy.
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BibTeX
@article{yu2026thermogenesisderived,
title = {{Thermogenesis‐derived spatiotemporal microclimates guide pollinator movement to ensure pollination}},
author = {Yuanjun Yu and Yan Luo and Wufan Zhang and Xiang Ding and Xiqiang Song and Yibo Luo},
journal = {Journal of Integrative Plant Biology},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.1111/jipb.70318},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1111/jipb.70318},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Thermogenesis‐derived spatiotemporal microclimates guide pollinator movement to ensure pollination
AU - Yuanjun Yu
AU - Yan Luo
AU - Wufan Zhang
AU - Xiang Ding
AU - Xiqiang Song
AU - Yibo Luo
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/15
JO - Journal of Integrative Plant Biology
DO - 10.1111/jipb.70318
UR - https://doi.org/10.1111/jipb.70318
AB - Thermogenesis represents one of the oldest pollination traits; yet, the ecological function of the microclimates that it creates remains poorly understood. Here, we elucidate how the spatiotemporally dynamic microclimate of Alocasia odora orchestrates pollinator movement within its inflorescence. Upregulation of alternative oxidase (AOX) in the upper spadix generates a steep, diurnally fluctuating thermal gradient against the non‐thermogenic lower chamber, forming a “thermal map”. We demonstrate that this thermal push–pull mechanism, interacting synergistically with the insects' innate requirements, drives the cyclical vertical movements of its specialized Colocasiomyia pollinators. While strict feeding requirements establish a baseline preference for the lower sterile zone, species‐specific oviposition preferences dictate their distinct movement trajectories. Specifically, C. xenalocasiae primarily drives pollen importation, whereas C. alocasiae acts as the dominant contributor to pollen exportation. In contrast, floral scent primarily functions in long‐distance pollinator attraction, while light plays only a minor modulatory role in this fine‐scale within‐inflorescence navigation. Our comparative analysis reveals a prevalent spatiotemporal separation of sexual organs across thermogenic flowers globally. We therefore propose that microclimate‐guided pollinator movement—where thermal gradients overcome structural constraints to ensure reproductive success—constitutes a widespread, yet underappreciated evolutionary strategy.
SN - 1672-9072
SN - 1744-7909
ER -