Plants produce more nectar when they ‘hear’ bees buzzing, scientists find

Researchers suggest buzzing noises could be used as environmentally friendly way to enhance crop pollination

Plants can hear" bees buzzing and serve up more nectar when they are nearby, scientists have found.

The research suggests that plants are a more active partner than previously thought in their symbiotic relationship with pollinators. The behaviour could be a survival strategy that favours giving nectar and sugar to bees over so-called nectar robbers that do not offer plants any reproductive benefits.