Very proud of PhD student Cedric Maforimbo, who successfully defended his PhD thesis in viva today!

Cedric's research work is really interesting - he has piloted some new methods to identify #pollen loads on #bees & match with plants in the field margin. He has also carried out a tonne of fieldwork addressing some of our knowledge gaps around the role of field margins in support crop pollination in African legume systems, given us a load more information about what pollinates common bean (we REALLY need to understand the distribution of Xylocopa spp. and their habitat needs), and been a great colleague.

Pleasure to work with a brilliant supervisory team Phil Stevenson, Angela Mkindi, Steve Harte.

Well done Cedric!

#PollinationEcology #ChemicalEcology #CropPollination #Xylocopa #Kilimanjaro

Plants can “hear” bees buzzing and produce more nectar, suggesting an active role in their symbiotic relationship with pollinators. This behavior may attract beneficial pollinators over nectar robbers. Buzzing noises could be an environmentally friendly way to enhance crop pollination.

@goodnews

#PlantCommunication #Pollination #Bees #Nectar #Symbiosis #EnvironmentalFriendly #CropPollination
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/21/plants-produce-more-nectar-when-they-hear-bees-buzzing-scientists-find

On my way to Choco-Tec conference in Cologne for a few days talking about all things cocoa! Bringing a poster about our JRF- and industry-funded work around #cocoa pollination.

Pleased to be able to do the journey on trains and avoid flights.

#CropPollination #Cacao #Agroforestry