News article

Farmers from around the globe visit the UK to highlight how their countries’ agriculture is embracing biotechnology

Farmers from around the globe are this week in Europe to share their experiences of using agricultural biotechnology. The benefits, they say, include improved food security and better incomes. They will be talking about how their political leaders have shaped policies that foster research and support innovations that help their families and communities.

Grass quality could be at risk from crown rust infection if the unseasonably warm weather continues, warns NIAB TAG.

Bright orange crown rust pustules have been visible on perennial rye grass plots at NIAB TAG trial centres across the UK for several weeks. Crown rust reduces the quality and energy available from grass, and in the very worst cases infected grass will be rejected by grazing animals.

Check farm-saved wheat seed for bunt contamination as results from a national seed-testing service suggests there could be cause for concern.

“This year the NIAB Labtest service has, so far, seen a greater than usual number of wheat samples with bunt contamination, with spores in just under half of all seed samples received,” says NIAB pathologist Jane Thomas.

The NIAB 2011 Forage Maize Descriptive List has a new look following changes aimed at simplifying the variety choice process for growers.

The most significant change is the amalgamation of the Medium Early List and the Favourable List followed by a more vigorous selection of first choice forage maize varieties, explains NIAB’s Herbage and Forage specialist Don Pendergrast.

Reports of sprouting in standing wheat crops have increased daily. At first reported in Oakley and Viscount, other varieties are now showing the problem. There are now concerns about wheat seed prices if significant areas of seed crops are affected.

Reflecting the renewed significance placed on the conservation and improvement of plant genetic resources, a UK national newspaper this week devoted an entire leading article to the food security risks posed by a new plant pathogen. In a powerful leader, the Guardian points to the potentially devastating effects on food supplies of a new wheat stem rust – known as Ug99 – which has recently spread to southern Africa’s wheat crop.

Growers who establish wheat using non-inversion cultivations should reduce grass weed populations with a range of techniques, rather than relying on high input herbicide programmes, advises NIAB TAG. For some rotations a return to the plough may be the most profitable option.

The Royal Horticultural Society has awarded NIAB vegetable specialist Mike Day with a medal of honour for his services to horticulture.

The Countess of Wessex presented Mr Day with the RHS Associateship of Honour at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show on 5th July 2010. The Award is in recognition for Mr Day’s outstanding work within horticulture, particularly for his service to NIAB.

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NIAB has appointed Nick Watson as Corporate Service Development Manager.