Profile

My research focuses on various aspects of honeybee biology and physiology including nutrition disease diagnostics parasites and pesticides that negatively affect bees and may possibly contribute to honeybee colony losses in South Africa. I have contributed towards knowledge in the field of pollinator identification and pollination efficiency floral rewards (nectar and pollen) microscopic evaluation of digestion efficiency and ovarian development. My recent research involves the effect of neonicotinoid pesticides on honeybee physiology behaviour and nutrition. At the local level I am involved with various key role players and stakeholders in the beekeeping industry in South Africa such as the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries Agricultural Research Council South African Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO) and beekeepers.