News article

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.

See link for more information.

NIAB has appointed Nick Watson as Corporate Service Development Manager.

Invitation day is postponed to 30 July 2010

Professor John Macleod, Chairman of the NIAB Trust and former NIAB Director, passed away on Saturday 19 June after a long illness.

NIAB Director Dr Tina Barsby said:

“Everyone at NIAB is deeply saddened at the loss of such an outstanding man, whose boundless enthusiasm, knowledge and infectious sense of humour will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to John’s family.”

The annual Open Day at the NIAB TAG Morley Centre was another success with hundreds of farmers from all over the country shown the wide range of research projects ongoing at the Centre. The event started with a welcome hog roast, followed by a welcoming speech from NIAB Chairman Tony Pexton. Visitors were then bussed around the field trials to see around 20 ongoing projects in the flesh.

A busy Cereals event saw lots of growers visiting the NIAB TAG stand, looking at plots demonstrating varietal disease susceptibility and fungicide input, with the added bonus of seeing some old wheat varieties in a demonstration of wheat breeding through the 20th century. Also, members had the opportunity to discuss the new NIAB TAG Network membership packages with staff.

NIAB TAG invite you to the NATIONAL AGRONOMY CENTRE Research into Practice, Morley Open Day Thursday 17th June 2010 at 12.00pm

Please see the flyer for more information