News article

Dr Tina Barsby is the new Chief Executive of the Cambridge-based plant science organisation National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB). 

The impact of recent agricultural changes from the ecologist’s perspective was debated in a conference with leading experts hosted by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany.

It was entitled: “Changes in land use; does this relate to CAP reform and what are the agro-ecology repercussions?” The event was supported by the British Ecological Society under the auspices of the Agricultural Ecology Special Interest Group.

Dr Tina Barsby, chief executive of the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), is writing to Dame Suzi Leather, chair of the new Defra Council of Food Policy Advisers, inviting Council Members to visit NIAB in Cambridge as part of their work to identify the measures needed to ensure the UK has a secure and sustainable food supply.  

Growers have been alerted to some potential seed-borne disease problems in wheat, oilseed rape and field beans following wet and showery periods at critical times in the growing season.

Dr Jane Thomas, plant pathologist at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany, said health tests on seeds were vital if growers wished to save them to sow the following year.

Leading plant breeders and officials from Defra PVS visited NIAB recently, to discuss proposed changes to the National List testing process for winter wheat. NIAB has been trialling a new system which would no longer require the submission of 300 ears as part of DUS testing.

The National Institute of Agricultural Botany and the Soil Association found they shared much common ground during a lively debate on feeding the world’s expanding population.

The debate was held for pupils from two Cambridgeshire schools as part of NIAB’s School Open Day based on the theme of Understanding Plant Genetics, from Breeder to Consumer. The day also included a programme of hands-on learning activities led by scientists on the NIAB farm for 80 pupils aged 13 - 15 from Impington Village College and Parkside Community College.

Translating basic plant science into products of value to farmers and consumers was the central theme of a recent parliamentary fact-finding visit to the National Institute of Agricultural Botany, in Cambridge.

Members of the new All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture, led by the Group’s chairman David Kidney MP, toured field trials and new laboratory facilities, and heard how NIAB is leading research to help boost crop yields and cope with the effects of climate change.

The National Farmers’ Union President, Peter Kendall, described the “exciting and important future role of plant science” during a visit to Cambridge when he met secondary school pupils taking part in an interactive training event on plant genetics.

He met Year 9 pupils from Parkside Community College at the “Genetics Garden” at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. He was joined by Prof Wayne Powell, NIAB’s Chief Executive, and Prof John Parker, Director of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

The humble rosemary plant could revolutionise the way that some oil-based products are made, providing a “green” alternative to the synthetics and fossil fuels which are presently used.

Research scientists at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany in Cambridge have joined a group of leading industry and research partners to determine the feasibility of using environmentally friendly antioxidants (AO) extracted from rosemary plants for the production of cosmetics, plastics and lubricants.

A team of top scientists from the Cambridge-based National Institute of Agricultural Botany has set up an experimental farm in a village in Moldova, Europe’s poorest country.

The local mayor and landowner, as well as villagers from the community of Burlacu, (which has a population of 1,200), joined in the project. During the week long visit, two polytunnels were erected – and another nine were given to growers for food production and extending seasonal growth.