Work

Road air pollution harms the reproductive success of a bee‐pollinated wildflower: A dusty threat to biodiversity

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Societal Impact Statement Dust, a common form of air pollution, is particularly problematic on roadsides, which are important habitats for plants and pollinators. We investigated whether and how road dust affects plant sexual reproduction using Primula chungensis in a biodiversity hotspot. Our study provides compelling evidence that road dust can harm plant reproductive success by disrupting both plant–pollinator interactions and the post‐pollination process. Given that enhanced dust activity is widespread globally, our findings highlight that biodiversity, food security, and ecosystems should benefit from policies and practices to improve air quality.

Source: Plants People Planet

DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.70174

Authors: Yong‐Peng Cha, Yin‐Mei Ma, David W. Inouye, Zhao‐Li Tong, Zhi‐Qiang Zhang

Institutions: Yunnan University, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park

Language: English

Topic: Plant and animal studies

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,180