Air pollutants prevent hawk moths from pollinating primrose flowers and spoil the attractive scent of the flowers. This has been shown by a study published in the journal. Science.
Primrose flowers (Oenothera pallida) emits a strong aroma that attracts many pollinators. Through field observations and laboratory experiments in Washington state, scientists have discovered that NO3, a dominant nighttime oxidant in some polluted areas, rapidly breaks down certain plant aromatic compounds and makes flowers “invisible” to nocturnal pollinators (hawk moths).
Exposure to air pollutants caused a 70% reduction in flower visitation by hawk moths; this likely reduced fruiting and plant vigor. Using global data, scientists also showed that air pollution levels in many urban areas of the world are sufficient to significantly reduce the distance at which pollinators can detect flowers.
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