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<p>Extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) are widespread across angiosperms and play a key ecological role by mediating mutualistic interactions with arthropods. Although the plant-herbivore mutualism facilitated by EFNs is well documented, little is known about the microbial communities inhabiting these structures. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of microbial colonization in floral nectaries, yet EFNs remain largely unexplored in this context. Here, we investigated the microbial communities associated with EFNs of <i>Calolisianthus speciosus</i> (Gentianaceae), a perennial herb endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we identified the presence of diverse microorganisms, including filamentous fungi, yeasts, and bacteria, colonizing the EFN surfaces. These findings provide evidence of complex microbial assemblages in EFNs and suggest that such communities may influence insect foraging behavior and plant-herbivore interactions. This study provides one of the first insights into the microbial ecology of EFNs in native Cerrado species, laying the groundwork for future research on the ecological and evolutionary roles of microorganisms in extrafloral nectar-mediated interactions.</p>

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Microbial communities associated with extrafloral nectaries of Calolisianthus speciosus: evidence of filamentous fungi, yeasts and bacteria by scanning electron microscopy

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月29日

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  • Jefferson Brendon Almeida dos Reis,
  • Sofia Coradini Schirmer,
  • Rafael Chaves Ribeiro,
  • Fabio Lopes Olivares,
  • Helson Mario Martins do Vale

摘要

Extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) are widespread across angiosperms and play a key ecological role by mediating mutualistic interactions with arthropods. Although the plant-herbivore mutualism facilitated by EFNs is well documented, little is known about the microbial communities inhabiting these structures. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of microbial colonization in floral nectaries, yet EFNs remain largely unexplored in this context. Here, we investigated the microbial communities associated with EFNs of Calolisianthus speciosus (Gentianaceae), a perennial herb endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we identified the presence of diverse microorganisms, including filamentous fungi, yeasts, and bacteria, colonizing the EFN surfaces. These findings provide evidence of complex microbial assemblages in EFNs and suggest that such communities may influence insect foraging behavior and plant-herbivore interactions. This study provides one of the first insights into the microbial ecology of EFNs in native Cerrado species, laying the groundwork for future research on the ecological and evolutionary roles of microorganisms in extrafloral nectar-mediated interactions.