Long-term study of plant-pollinator system

Our group is carring out a long-term study of plant-pollinator system in Central Bohemia region, near to village Vernýřov. We focused not only on relations between plants and pollinators, but also on spatial and temporal variability in plant-pollinator interactions of a grassy meadow. Moreover, deep knowledge of the system allows to us focus more on looking for answers on more delicate questions in pollination ecology.

Preferences, behaviour and role of Hoverflies as pollinators

Hoverflies (family Syrphidae) are our favourite pollinatour group to study. We are focusing on their floral preferences, foraging behaviour and generally on their role as pollinators in the ecosystem.

Pollen production, presentation and transfer

As part of our research, we are focused on the dynamics of pollen release by plants during the day and the associated visitation pattern of pollinators. Our hypothesis is as follows: Can plants that share the same pollinators avoid the unwanted struggle for their attention by differing in timing of pollen release and other rewards?
We also deal with the overall production of pollen by plants and the transmission capacities of various types of pollinators

Floral pathogens and their transfer by pollinators

Propagules of floral pathogens as is anther smuts are transfered between hosts by pollinators visiting diseased flowers. In our research, we focus on anther smut from genus Microbotryum. This fungal pathogen sterilize its host plant and replace their reproductive organs with spores. Spores are then transfered from plant on flowers of new host by plant pollinators.