Beverley Glover

In this engaging discussion, Beverley Glover, Director of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Jane Memmott, Professor of Ecology, and Lars Chittka, Professor of Sensory and Behavioural Ecology, dive into the intricate dance of pollination. They explore the clever strategies plants use to attract pollinators, revealing the sophisticated cognition of bees in flower selection. The conversation highlights the alarming decline in pollinator populations and its implications for ecosystems and agriculture, emphasizing the urgent need for biodiversity and conservation.

Join Beverley Glover, Director of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Jane Memmott, a Professor at the University of Bristol, and Lars Chittka, an expert in bee cognition at Queen Mary University. They delve into the remarkable dance between plants and their insect pollinators. Discover how plants attract insects with vivid colors and enticing scents, and learn about the sophisticated intelligence of bees in navigation and decision-making. They also discuss the crucial role of pollinators in agriculture and the alarming decline of pollen availability in Britain.

In this conversation, Beverly Glover, Director of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, shares her insights on how genetics can enhance gardening. They discuss Mendel's foundational work in genetics and its relevance today. The importance of pollinators is highlighted, particularly how plants can attract them through color and scent. Glover also dives into genetic engineering's role in improving nectar quality for bees and the intricacies of plant-pollinator relationships, ultimately exploring advancements that can boost crop resilience in a changing climate.