Improving pollination in the field bean (Vicia faba)

The overall objective of this study is to contribute to an understanding of how V. faba flowers attract pollinators, building on the work carried out by these previous PhD projects. In particular this project will assess how scent attracts pollinators and look to determine whether different lines of V. faba have more attractive scents. Additionally, the effect of wildflower margins on pollinator populations within the crop will be evaluated. This understanding will provide advice on future breeding strategies that aim to maximise yield through improving pollinator attraction, while simultaneously offering better support to wild pollinator populations.