About this episode
Charlotte Apsey discusses her research on improving field bean yields through pollination and wildflower margins.
In this episode of Inside the Pod, we’re joined by Charlotte Apsey, a PhD student at the University of Cambridge whose research gets right to the heart of one of the biggest questions facing pulse growers. How can we improve field bean yields while working with nature rather than against it. Charlotte’s work focuses on pollination in field beans and, specifically, the role wildflower margins can play in attracting pollinators into crops. Speaking to episode host, Ben Pike, she explains why beans are more reliant on insect activity than many growers might assume, what happens when pollinators are encouraged to spend more time in and around bean crops, and how relatively simple habitat features could make a measurable difference to performance. A major part of Charlotte’s research involves on farm trials during the bean flowering period. These trials involve counting pollinators visiting flowers and linking that activity back to yield data. The aim is practical, grower relevant insight that supports productive and sustainable farming systems. Charlotte is now looking for farmers who can help host trials in the 2026 season. She is keen to hear from anyone growing field beans, either…
People in this episode
Host: Ben Pike
Guest: Charlotte Apsey
Topics covered
- pollination
- field beans
- sustainable farming
- agriculture research
- wildflower margins
Keywords
- field beans
- pollinators
- sustainable agriculture
- yield data
- on farm trials
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: University of Cambridge
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