Implications of evolutionary theory to applied pollination ecology

Many floral traits reflect evolution with a set of pollinators. I examine pollination syndromes, including nectar production and its constituents, how pollination facilitates sexual selection, how interactions among various floral traits allow plants to track changes in pollinator numbers and/or activity, breeding systems, and ecotypic adaptation. A basic understanding of each of these topics should allow applied pollination ecologists to manipulate their unique systems. Understanding pollination syndromes, including nectar production, might allow one to utilize appropriate pollinators, and possibly manipulate their behavior. Understanding relationships among floral traits may suggest ways to increase pollination efficiency. In some plants the breeding system is integrated with nectar production, and the failure to appreciate the relationship can frustrate research efforts. Very few instances of ecotypic adaptation have been reported in pollination systems and this probably reflects our failure to look for them. Cultivating the wrong ecotype or selecting an inappropriate pollinator can also prove frustrating.