Two new barley plant genes discovered
A group of international researchers have discovered two new genes in the barley plant that will shed light on the history of agriculture and also bring new capabilities to barley breeding programs. The new genes, Btr1 and Btr2, are completely new genetic discoveries and according to Emeritus Professor Geoff Fincher from the University of Adelaide […]
Growing confidence in pulse crop reflected at PGRO AGM and Field Day
The UK pulse industry is looking ahead with growing confidence as the excellent performance and returns for the 2014 crop are carried forward to the 2015 crop and beyond. This was the strong message from Roger Vickers, PGRO Chief Executive, speaking at the organisations’s AGM and Pulse Field Day held at Stubton, Notts. “In 2014, […]
Leatherjacket numbers crash but farmers still advised to check key crops
The most recent survey by Scotland’s Rural College indicates that, after two years of record numbers, Leatherjacket densities have plummeted. However, while this reduces the need for any chemical controls, SRUC experts urge farmers with spring crops planted after grass to monitor growth carefully and to check their soils for signs of the grubs. Leatherjacket […]
Ukraine & Russia Crop Tour results reported
At the end of March the Crop Tour travelled across Ukraine and Russia to objectively record the condition and yield potential of overwintered crops as spring growth recommenced. The route covered 4,893km and took in the north, western and central regions of Ukraine and central, southern and western regions of western Russia. The team used […]
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 […]
The International Wheat Yield Partnership (IWYP) appoints Program Director
The new International Wheat Yield Partnership (IWYP) has appointed Dr Jeff Gwyn as Program Director to lead the program towards its vision of increasing wheat yields by 50% by 2034. IWYP is a novel funding and coordination partnership for stimulating wheat research and development and the translation of scientific discoveries into elite wheat varieties ready […]
Exosect partners with industry and researchers to control beetle pests in pulse crops
Exosect, a leading provider of enabling technologies today announced that it is a member of a new collaborative research programme which aims to combat beetle and weevil pests that damage pulse crops. The project is partially funded by Innovate UK and the BBSRC with additional support from industry partners PGRO, Rothamsted Research, Oecos and BASF […]
New $13.8 million project aims to boost banana production in Uganda and Tanzania
Millions of smallholder banana farmers in Tanzania and Uganda are set to benefit from a new $13.8 million project to develop and distribute higher-yielding, disease-resistant hybrid banana varieties. The effort is being funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Rony Swennen, a professor […]
