Upon activation of nectary fate, nectary cells undergo extensive proliferation and specialization. This is evident in the expansion of the nectary domain and the recruitment of specialized cell types, including trichomes and stomata. In many species, including Mimulus, stomata are exclusively present on the nectary epidermis but absent from surrounding floral tissues. Moreover, these nectary stomata exhibit highly modified characteristics: they often form in clusters, violating the typical "one-cell spacing" rule observed in leaf epidermis, and once open, they remain permanently open.

The molecular mechanisms governing the recruitment and modification of nectary stomata remain completely unknown. Using live imaging, we are currently investigating the activities of known stomatal regulators, with particular emphasis on polarity proteins involved in asymmetric cell division. This initial characterization will help determine whether nectary stomata are specified through canonical leaf stomatal developmental pathways or represent a distinct regulatory program. In parallel, we are using biochemical assays to examine potential interactions between nectary development regulators and stomatal patterning factors, aiming to uncover how these two developmental programs might be integrated.