Viewpoint: neonicotinoid pesticides in honey
Researchers reported in the journal Science this week that tests for five neonicotinoid compounds found at least one in 75% of honey samples from 198 sites around the world.
Driving out blight with dual control
Combining methods of disease control rather than relying on a single resistance strategy can extend the durability of crops by many years, confirms computer modelling that draws on classical population genetics theory.
Dramatic changes needed in farming practices to keep pace with climate change
Major changes in agricultural practices will be required to offset increases in nutrient losses due to climate change, according to research published by a scientific consortium including the James Hutton Institute.
Harmony and collaboration for better food and farming
A leading advocate of organic farming is urging proponents of sustainable agriculture to come together with research scientists to establish a joint strategy group that could present a united front to benefit food production and the environment.
Major funding for new crop sciences research centre at NIAB in Cambridge
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has announced funding for the creation of a new Cambridge Centre for Crop Science (3CS), developed by the University of Cambridge in collaboration with NIAB. The new centre will provide a major boost to the University and NIAB’s existing research initiatives around global food security.
“Exciting biology” rewrites text books in uncovering plants’ high-fat diet for fungal benefactors
One of biology’s most charismatic relationships, credited with helping plants to colonise land more than 400 million years ago, has yielded a fundamental survival secret with implications for agriculture and biotechnology. Plant scientists have discovered that a particular form of fungi, which invades plant roots and then helps the colonised plants to absorb nutrients from […]
Rothamsted questions EU pesticide ban as chemicals industry eyes Brexit for breakthrough on bees
Maintaining production of many UK crops is at risk if neonicotinoids, the pesticides linked with harming bees, are more widely restricted or banned completely, says Rothamsted Research in a position statement published today. “Furthermore, if groups of chemistries are limited by legislation, the remaining groups will be more widely used, resulting in an increased risk […]
Developing smart food for a new generation – safe and secure, competitive and sustainable
“Fresh thinking plus global science yields lasting benefit.” It’s the modern mantra of the world’s oldest research institute for agricultural science, which today launches an ambitious vision for the next five years at a time of unprecedented international uncertainty and diverse challenges, socially, economically and environmentally.
The BBSRC invests in Rothamsted Research’s Science Strategy
Every five years, Rothamsted Research develops a revised science strategy, in order to deliver the knowledge and innovation required to address grand challenges faced by farmers and society for food production and environmental sustainability. Rothamsted Research is a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) strategically supported institute and investment by the BBSRC in Rothamsted’s […]
How to deliver and improved UK Agriscience sector outside of the EU
Rothamsted Research and the National Farmers’ Union convened a workshop identifying the key areas of focus in order to have a world leading agriscience sector in the UK after Brexit.
