Sunflowers bloom with an internal clock
Sunflowers use an internal clock to bloom at the optimal time. The spiral pattern of the florets is the result of this mechanism.
Circadian clock controls blooming
Sunflower heads consist of hundreds of tiny florets. A team of scientists from the University of California has discovered that an internal circadian clock controls the characteristic concentric rings of the sunflower bloom in order to maximise pollinator visits.
Pollinators such as bees typically land on the ray-shaped petals and move towards the centre, collecting pollen and carrying it to another flower head.
Fewer pollinators when the clock is disrupted
“We think that the ability to coordinate in this way makes them a better target for bees,” said lead author Stacey Harmer. With advancing climate change it is becoming increasingly important to make the pollination of crops as efficient as possible. The study was published in eLife. More on the topic of environment and nature conservation.
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