Coordination among flower pigments, scents and pollinators in ornamental plants

Abstract Flower color and scent, crucial qualitative characteristics of ornamental plants, display extensive variation. These distinct pigments and scents play a key role in attracting specific pollinators. While previous research primarily delved into the synthetic regulatory mechanisms of individual traits and their respective attraction to insects, recent studies unveil an interconnectedness between flower color and scent through transcriptional regulatory networks. Moreover, evidence suggests that both color and scent actively contribute to insect attraction. This review summarizes the co-regulation and synthesis of pigments and scents, highlighting their pivotal roles in pollinator attraction. The insights provided will serve as valuable references for applications in metabolic engineering, novel variety breeding, and insect and pest detection and management.