Writtle University College graduate wins prestigious award

Megan hopes to build a career in research and conservation

Submitted by Writtle University College

Writtle University graduate Megan Webb has been awarded the Chartered Institute of Horticulture Aberconway Award.

The prestigious award is given in honour of Lord Aberconway for the best horticultural dissertation submitted by a student or horticulturist under the age of 30.

Speaking about her recent success, Megan said: "I was both shocked and overjoyed to learn that I had received the Aberconway Award. I was so proud to hear that my dissertation, which was about a subject I am most passionate about, was to receive an award."

During her studies at the university near Chelmsford, Essex, Megan's research was aimed at increasing the understanding of carnivorous plants, and her award-winning dissertation looked at the morphological plasticity of Sarracenia seedlings in response to supplementary nutrients.

Megan said: "My findings concluded that Sarracenia seedlings had the best growth response in regard to the control treatment (where no nutrients were added) compared to that of foliar and soil fertilisation."

"The results followed a natural ecological pattern, where plants invested in greater carnivory for larger prey intake in response to lack of nutrients. Supplementary nutrients, especially that of soil, caused plants to focus on colour, shape and pitcher number faster. Overall, offering amateur growers potential to achieve visual traits amongst seedlings more quickly. However, there is a lack of existing scientific studies surrounding the subject of carnivorous plants, thus further research needs to be undertaken to sustain the future of this particular plant group."

Megan hopes to build a career that combines research into, and the conservation of, these particular species.

She continued: "Learning about the different areas of horticulture allowed me to gain experience in both written and practical aspects. My lecturers, peers and research have given me a clearer picture of what I want to do in the future."

Dr Anya Perera, head of the School for Sustainable Environments and Design at Writtle University College, said: "We are delighted by Megan's success. Her dissertation is an excellent achievement, especially as she completed it during lockdown. Thank you to CIH for offering students this opportunity and for all the positive work you do in helping to raising the profile of horticulture."

Megan has been invited to attend the Harrogate Spring Plant Show, where she will be officially presented with the Aberconway Award at The Chartered Institute of Horticulture's annual meeting on Saturday, April 23.

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