Floral nectar is found in many angiosperm. Though it is a rich source of sugar, it contains various amino acids and minerals. I am interested to know the role of nectar for pollination and fertilization, apart from inviting the pollinators. Is it responsible to help pollen germination or pollen tube growth in the style? Please share some informations.
Yes, floral better has some definite role in pollen germination..Have a look at enclosed PDF..
Nectar attracts pollinators, has a defensive function if produced outside nectaries, and contains chemicals that 'discourage the forager after only a sip, motivating it to visit other plants, therefore maximizing the pollination efficiency gained by the plant for a minimum nectar output'. Nectar can also serve as the germination medium for pollen.
See: The Role of Nectar in the Germination of Pollen in Asclepias syriaca L., Botanical Gazette, Vol. 150, No. 3 (Sep., 1989), pp. 266–270
Indubitably, the nectar has got other prime functions especially it serves as a natural medium for germination as the same will not happen in a dry medium.
Thank you.
@Durga, for ease in pollen germination on the stigmatic surface, the stigmatic fluid plays a crucial role. How the role of nectar can be linked to that?
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