Tiny but mighty? Overview of a decade of research on nectar bacteria

Abstract

An emerging focus of research at the intersection of botany, zoology, and microbiology is the study of floral nectar as a microbial habitat, referred to as the nectar microbiome, which can alter plant–pollinator interactions. Studies on these microbial communities have primarily focused on yeasts, and it was only about a decade ago that bacteria began to be studied as widespread inhabitants of floral nectar. This review aims to give an overview of the current knowledge on nectar bacteria, with emphasis on evolutionary origin, dispersal mode, effects on nectar chemistry and plant–animal interactions, community assembly, agricultural applications, and their use as model systems in ecological research. We further outline gaps in our understanding of the ecological significance of these microorganisms, their response to environmental changes, and the potential cascading effects.