DrPeter Graystock

We study how microbial communities shape the health, behaviour, and resilience of their hosts, with a particular focus on pollinators and plants in agricultural ecosystems. Our research spans microbial ecology, host–microbe interactions, and microbiome engineering, with applications in sustainable agriculture, disease resistance, and conservation.

Working with governing bodies (Natural England), conservation bodies (Bumblebee Conservation Trust) and industry leaders (Biobest), this research has been influential in improving managed bee rearing practices and wild bee health. These findings on managed bumblebees and parasite transmission have informed both conservation and policy, prompting recognition by NERC in their inaugural impact awards.

Lab News
>We start the year with an early conference talk - Ryan presented his Masters research on bumblebee population genetics at the UK Population Genetics Group conference
>Our work on European foul brood is of great interest and Monika was invited to the UK Bee Health Advisory Forum to discuss the ongoing EFB work from her PhD and the lab.
>Publication! as part of a European collaboration we published work in Scientific Reports showing the results of screening bees from across Europe for viruses. We find climate and honeybees are linked to virus prevalence in wild bees
>Spring harvest - We took a spring honey harvest this year to help prepare our research hives for some experiments we have planned this year on their brood. A tasty bit of research prep!
>The Graystock and Gill groups shared a tent at the Great Exhibition road festival in South Kensington. Together with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, The Butterfly Trust, and the Seedball company we spoke to the public about the value of pollinators and gave hands-on workshops on making your own seedballs!
>Monika presented work on EFB disease and pesticide exposure to the IUSSI conference in San Diego, USA.
Publication! Monika published the first manuscript from her PhD, reviewing the risks posed by disease and pesticides to bee larvae.
>The lab held stalls at the Silwood park Bees, Birds and Beasts day where we showed off our honey bees and bumblebees to visitors and discussed our ongoing research
>Monika received full funding to attend the 2-week SymbNet PhD workshop in Portugal to learn about recent discoveries and advancements in symbiosis research.

More details
Visit www.graystock.info for more details of the groups research activities