Analysis of sugars in dwarf mistletoe nectar

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Abstract
Nectar produced by pistillate flowers of the dwarf mistletoe Arceuthobium abietinum Engelm. was analyzed by thin-layer and gas–liquid chromatography. The inconspicuous (0.5–1.5 mm) flowers produce relatively large (0.24 μliter) droplets of highly concentrated nectar (58–92% total solids, expressed as sugars). The major components were glucose (48%), fructose (39%), and sucrose (11%). Traces of other sugars were also present. It is suggested that nectar of this high sugar content is probably a strong insect pollinator attractant, and this, in turn, may be a major factor in the successful spread of the parasitic dwarf mistletoes.

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