Electric field imposed by pollen vectors as a selective force in the evolution of floral morphology—An evolutionary hypothesis

Abstract

The hypothesis presented in this article is that electrostatic forces, which have been proven to promote enhanced pollen transfer even without direct contact with the stigma or anthers, have played a role in the evolution of generalized entomophilous flowers.

Keywords:

• breeding system
• electrostatic pollination
• generalization
• specialization
• stigma exsertion