Prestigious European grant for artificial soils research
A James Hutton Institute scientist has been awarded a highly prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant to undertake research on a new generation of artificial soils; it is hoped that this would allow researchers to better study the interaction of roots, soil and the microorganisms that live in it – a key battleground in […]
Parasite provides clues to evolution of plant diseases
A new study into the generalist parasite Albugo candida (A. candida), cause of white rust1 of brassicas2, has revealed key insights into the evolution of plant diseases to aid agriculture and global food security. How generalist parasites with wide host ranges evolve is a central question in parasite evolution. Parasites adapt in response to their […]
Learn about grain export opportunities
HGCA’s series of ‘Meet the Exporter’ events begin later this month, when exporter organisations will open their doors to local growers in Angus, Bristol and Lincolnshire. Delegates at the events will learn more about the processes involved in exporting grain, gaining insight into shipping operations and overseas market requirements. Analysts from AHDB’s Market Intelligence division […]
Tensions in the potato supply chain follow two years of overproduction
Twelve months ago Potato Council’s ‘Market Dynamics Report’ highlighted that 2013 year-on-year retail volume sales had fallen by 8 per cent (the equivalent of 133,000 fewer tonnes). However, in 2014, just over 121,000 hectares were planted in again in Great Britain, a figure very similar to the year before. “A favourable growing season in 2014 […]
Scientists find potential way of controlling leaf blotch disease in wheat
Septoria leaf blotch (STB) is caused by a fungus and is seen as the most significant threat to wheat yields in Europe, and most other wheat growing regions, as currently available fungicides become less effective against resistant strains of the disease. Researchers at Durham University, working with partners from Newcastle University and Rothamsted Research, have […]
Response to EU public consultation on endocrine disruptors
The European Commission has just concluded a public consultation to gather the views of stakeholders on setting detailed criteria for determining what substances will be considered as endocrine disruptors. The input received during the consultation will be used as part of an impact assessment to evaluate different policy options. “As one of many important stakeholders […]
Move towards responsible growing media in UK horticulture
A major project funded by Defra, the Horticultural Development Company (HDC) and Industry is set to ease the move towards responsibly sourced growing media. The project, ‘Transition to responsibly sourced growing media use within UK horticulture’, is worth a £1 million over the next five years and has emerged from the previous work of the […]
Tri-partite project to commercialise variable fertiliser rates secures funding award
Experts from the fields of applied research, academia and farming have secured a £1.4 million funding award to commercialise innovative precision farming technology. The team, comprising Dr Chantel Davies and Gavin Milson from Stockbridge Technology Centre Ltd, Dr Abdul Mouazen and Dr Lorenzo Menichetti from Cranfield University, and Andrew Manfield from Manterra Ltd, will spend […]
Pesticide control – very high level of compliance with MRLs
The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) latest Annual Report on Pesticide Residues contains findings from tests carried out in 2012 on nearly 79,000 samples and found that overall 98.3% of these food products were within the maximum residue levels (MRLs) of pesticides permitted in the EU. More pesticide residues exceeding the MRLs were found in […]
