Why are sticky buds sticky

[Ollie]

Hi
Can anyone say why Horse Chestnut buds are sticky.

I have one or two theories but are probably wrong on them all and was wondering if anyone had any other ideas.

My theories are they are sticky as a form of weather resistance, for example to protect them against late frosts that we often get at this time of year.

Another theory is that the sticky substance makes them distasteful to anything that would eat them.

Lastly and probably the least likely that it is to trap insects that become stuck to them.

Have attached a photo of a sticky bud taken today showing a fly (dead) stuck to a sticky bud.

Roger

[Gill Catton]

I think it probably is to stop them being eaten - insects hungry for leaf matter may well be just emerging at the time of bud burst and I can imagine that they are likely to head for new leaf buds straight away - I would also imagine that the stickyness halts most of them in their tracks!! It may indeed also make them more distastful to browsers - but then I love a sticky toffee so I'm not certain that would be the case!

[Ollie]

Thanks for your input Gill.

Woud seem your theory is probably the most likliest, can't say I have ever seen any ragged looking specimens that have been atacked by insects or any other thing. I just love the looks of them.
Roger

[Cotham Marble]

From the archives:

sticky chestnut

CM