What ideas / knowledge / observations of nature, do people here have about the things that attract pollinating insects to rose flowers?
I have heard that roses do not produce nectar. Is that correct?
Also, some rose hybridizers with loads of experience here have mentioned that pollinators usually do not visit flowers after humans emasculate them in hybridization…this would go against the notion that petal color is a major insect pollinator attractant.
Does this mean that poor lil pollinating insects are attracted to the fragrance of an open rose flower, and then get tricked when they pay a visit in search of sweet nectar, only to find none, and as well cop a dusting of pollen?
In days gone by, I would have put money on the idea that flower color should be a major pollinator insect attractant to rose flowers.
Soooo, yes I am curious about this, these days.
I think some are attracted to how a bloom indicates under UV sprectrum. I think some roses attract via carrion chemicals in the air.
George,
can’t speek about other insects, but the japanese beetle seems to be colour driven. Yellow and white are their dears.
cheers
Bernhard
Link: www.ingentaconnect.com/content/esa/jee/2004/00000097/00000002/art00025
I believe bees are attracted by the scent of the rose petal. And I know that because if I go out in the garden after spraying my hair with hairspray they come around my head buzzing for sure!
Michael is right about insects not seeing nor smelling as we do.
Not attracted by same scents and seeing other colors than we do. Some insects smelling habilities are thousands more acute than ours. Some very bright colors for us are undistinctive for i.e. bees. And conversely.
From a distance scent is more than likely a priviledged signal, closer, color, including every details such as blotches or stamen color are sure important.