Floral traits and pollinator patterns in Solanaceae: insights from a systematic review and meta-analysis

Pollination is a major driver of floral diversity and reproductive success in angiosperms, but comprehensive field-based data are still limited for many plant families. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 103 studies on Solanaceae, compiling 189 plant taxa with records of planta-pollinators in 24 genera and 133 species. We extracted data on floral traits, including colour, symmetry, reward type, and the presence of floral spots, and analysed their associations with primary and secondary pollinator groups using generalized linear models. Bees were the most frequent pollinators, particularly attracted to zygomorphic flowers offering both pollen and nectar, whereas hawkmoths preferred pale flowers and hummingbirds favoured flowers without spots. Floral traits strongly influenced pollinator visitation and species richness, although patterns varied among pollinator groups. Our results highlight gaps in taxonomic and geographic coverage and provide a synthesis that can guide future research on floral evolution, ecological specialization, and conservation strategies in Solanaceae.