buzz pollination

biology

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Buzz pollination, also known as sonication or floral vibration, is a unique pollination method used by certain plants, such as tomatoes and blueberries. This process involves bees, particularly bumblebees and some solitary bees, vibrating their flight muscles to release pollen from the flower's anthers. This specialized vibration is necessary because these flowers only release their pollen when exposed to a specific frequency. Honeybees are unable to perform buzz pollination. This adaptation helps plants limit pollen dispersal to specific pollinators, promoting out-crossing and genetic diversity.12

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shooting star
Physical description
The flowers are “buzz pollinated,” meaning that they require a certain frequency of vibration from bees in order to release their pollen.
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The flowers are “buzz pollinated,” meaning that they require a certain frequency of vibration from bees in order to release their pollen.
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sweat bee
Life cycle and nesting
Many species can “buzz-pollinate,” which means they can produce a vibration with the flight muscles in their thorax that can be used to trigger the release the pollen of certain flowers. Buzz pollination, which honeybees are not capable of, is important for the pollination of certain crops, including…
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Many species can “buzz-pollinate,” which means they can produce a vibration with the flight muscles in their thorax that can be used to trigger the release the pollen of certain flowers. Buzz pollination, which honeybees are not capable of, is important for the pollination of certain crops, including…
Read More