Humidity, not just scent, attracts pollinators: Study.
A study led by Cornell University found that humidity is as important as scent in attracting pollinators to a plant. The research advances basic biology and opens new avenues to support agriculture. Until now, the study of pollination and plant-insect interactions has focused on visual and scent markers, but insects are far more adept than humans at sensing changes in humidity, carbon dioxide, and temperature. The findings could help farmers and food distributors encourage pollination of food crops or direct insects away from stored foods and toward traps.