A perceptual model indicates air pollution-induced shifts in honeybee floral-scent recognition

Air pollution threatens pollination by degrading floral odors essential for attracting pollinators. This study explores the utility of the Compounds Without Borders method, which quantifies odor changes using molecular features, as a tool for understanding how pollutants like ozone affect scent perception. We identified a pollution-degradation threshold as quantified by Compounds Without Borders by analyzing published datasets on honeybee proboscis extension responses to pollution-modified Brassica odors: odors degraded beyond 10 degrees show decreased response rates. Application of Compounds Without Borders analysis to different plant scent profiles indicates the scents of some species (canola) are vulnerable to air pollution, while others (apple) are resilient. Our results support the utility of Compounds Without Borders to assess the effects of air pollution on honeybee olfaction, offering a predictive tool and establishing a foundation to build a model that could be used to safeguard pollination services against the growing threat of air pollution and other environmental stressors.