Winter chilling in blackcurrants: adapting to climate change, through the development of technologies for improved dormancy release
Lead Research Organisation:
East Malling Research (United Kingdom)
Department Name: Science
Abstract
This project addresses the effects of climate change in the UK on blackcurrant production, where the trend towards warmer winters has adversely affected dormancy break and subsequent crop yields and quality, substantially reducing profitability. The use of existing dormancy-breaking treatments, developed for stone fruit crops, will be assessed for their efficacy in blackcurrant, their use optimised, and their mode of action evaluated at a physiological/biochemical level. From this, a new improved product for blackcurrant and 'best practice' guidelines for growers can be developed. Additionally, models predicting responses to the chilling environment for different varieties will be established, and this information will be used to direct the use of dormancy-breaking treatments to improve yield and quality. The project outcomes will directly influence future blackcurrant production in the UK, and will also be applicable to other perennial fruit crops, many of which have high chill requirements and are most productive after cold winters.
Technical Summary
This project addresses the effects of climate change in the UK on blackcurrant production, where the trend towards warmer winters has adversely affected dormancy break and subsequent crop yields and quality, substantially reducing profitability. The use of existing dormancy-breaking treatments, developed for other crops, will be assessed for their efficacy in blackcurrant, their use optimised, and their mode of action evaluated at a physiological/biochemical level. From this, a new improved product for blackcurrant and 'best practice' guidelines for growers can be developed. Additionally, models predicting responses to the chilling environment for different cvs. will be established, and this information will be used to direct the use of dormancy-breaking treatments to improve yield and quality. The project outcomes will directly influence future blackcurrant production in the UK, and will also be applicable to other perennial fruit crops, many of which have high chill requirements.
Planned Impact
The proposed work has both fundamental and applied aspects, and there is a clear programme for close linkage and translation between these categories. It will contribute most importantly to the improved and sustainable production of
blackcurrants in the UK, within the context of a changing climate. The development of a new dormancy-breaking treatment has very large potential impact across a range of woody crop species, and will also generate considerable income for the various downstream industries. On a more fundamental basis, the project will deliver considerable knowledge of the mechanisms by which woody crop plants respond to temperature, and how these can be amended in various climate
scenarios. This will be used to inform future blackcurrant breeding strategies, which in turn can provide a model for other crop improvement programmes. The impact on the public will be through the continued availability and diversification of
processed blackcurrant products, based on UK production. The overall impact of the project should demonstrate the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary approach of the work and the project team, leading to a successful translation of scientific developments to industry.
blackcurrants in the UK, within the context of a changing climate. The development of a new dormancy-breaking treatment has very large potential impact across a range of woody crop species, and will also generate considerable income for the various downstream industries. On a more fundamental basis, the project will deliver considerable knowledge of the mechanisms by which woody crop plants respond to temperature, and how these can be amended in various climate
scenarios. This will be used to inform future blackcurrant breeding strategies, which in turn can provide a model for other crop improvement programmes. The impact on the public will be through the continued availability and diversification of
processed blackcurrant products, based on UK production. The overall impact of the project should demonstrate the effectiveness of the multidisciplinary approach of the work and the project team, leading to a successful translation of scientific developments to industry.
Organisations
- East Malling Research (United Kingdom) (Lead Research Organisation)
- Michael H Keene and Son Ltd (Collaboration)
- James Hutton Institute (Collaboration)
- Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board (Collaboration)
- Pixley Berries (Juice) Ltd (Collaboration)
- Agrovista UK Ltd (Collaboration)
- Asplins Producer Organisation Limited (Collaboration)
- Lucozade Ribena Suntory (Collaboration)
- ABB Marketing Ltd (Collaboration)
- Yara (UK) Ltd (Collaboration)
| Description | See responses for BB/M026205/2 |
| Exploitation Route | See responses for BB/M026205/2 |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment |
| Description | Winter chilling in blackcurrants: adapting to climate change, through new technologies for improved dormancy release |
| Organisation | ABB Marketing Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | EAST MALLING RESEARCH (EMR) is the leading perennial fruit crop research organisation in the UK and has key expertise in using detailed scientific understanding of hormonal regulation of plant developmental processes (Dr Else). Prof Cross is a spray application specialist developing systems for safe and effective spray application for fruit and other perennial crops including dose adjustment for blackcurrants, top- and stone fruits. EMR has access to analytical equipment (HPLC/GC-MS) to quantify hormones and a motorised sprayer for treatment applications. Dr Skipper has experience in managing TSB work packages through involvement in project 101626. EMR also has experience and expertise in the scientific management of linked RTO-industry projects (Dr Else, Prof. Cross). |
| Collaborator Contribution | LUCOZADE RIBENA SUNTORY (LTD) incorporates two of the UK's biggest soft drinks brands, and is the third largest branded soft drinks supplier in the UK market. The company contracts >90% of UK blackcurrant production for its juice drink Ribena with a market value of £140 M. Rob Saunders is an experienced agronomist and will be responsible for the overall management of the project and will provide experienced staff to carry out assessments of uniformity of ripening. YARA UK LTD is specialist producer of ammonia, nitrated and NPK crop nutrition products offering the most comprehensive range of fertilizers in the industry, their portfolio ranges from single nutrient fertilizers to complex compounds and micronutrients for feeding plants. Mike Stoker will co-ordinate the nutritional analysis of bud material, metabolite screening and product development of an improved nutrient based product for use in blackcurrant. AGROVISTA UK Ltd has been established for more than 60 years as the leading supplier of agronomy advice, services and crop protection products to UK farming with a dedicated fruit team. Agrovista will supply automated gas burners and weather stations for each grower site and provide staff to assist in the assessment of uniformity of ripening. JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE (JHI) is an international research centre tackling challenging problems such as the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security. JHI has an active blackcurrant breeding programme led for over 25 years by Dr Brennan, who is an expert in developing breeding tools for traits such as dormancy, quality and phenology in woody species. Prof Jones specialises in developing crop management and improvement strategies in changing climates, including modelling of crop responses to climate change. JHI has access to controlled environment facilities to facilitate the modelling of blackcurrant cv responses to chilling, and also has a wide range of blackcurrant germplasm established in field conditions. In addition, JHI has equipment and expertise to determine the effects of dormancy treatments on fruit quality, to safeguard both the supply chain and end users of blackcurrant products. MICHAEL H KEENE & SON LTD, PIXLEY BERRIES (JUICE) LTD AND SUB-CONTRACTORS C H KING & SONS AND R. BOUCHER & SONS and are major blackcurrant growers/blackcurrant juice ingredient suppliers suffering serious problems from inadequate winter chill. Collectively they have extensive experience in growing and managing blackcurrant crops. The growers will provide sites for the trials, manage polytunnels for winter chill protection and carry out assessments of bud break and berry drop. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a statutory levy body that primarily funds research and development (R&D) and knowledge transfer (KT). HDC involvement would aim to deliver improvements to crop quality, consistency of supply and production efficiency principally through active participation in project management meetings and delivering KT on the project outcomes. |
| Impact | Owing to the confidential nature of this project, outcomes of this project have not yet been made public |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Winter chilling in blackcurrants: adapting to climate change, through new technologies for improved dormancy release |
| Organisation | Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | EAST MALLING RESEARCH (EMR) is the leading perennial fruit crop research organisation in the UK and has key expertise in using detailed scientific understanding of hormonal regulation of plant developmental processes (Dr Else). Prof Cross is a spray application specialist developing systems for safe and effective spray application for fruit and other perennial crops including dose adjustment for blackcurrants, top- and stone fruits. EMR has access to analytical equipment (HPLC/GC-MS) to quantify hormones and a motorised sprayer for treatment applications. Dr Skipper has experience in managing TSB work packages through involvement in project 101626. EMR also has experience and expertise in the scientific management of linked RTO-industry projects (Dr Else, Prof. Cross). |
| Collaborator Contribution | LUCOZADE RIBENA SUNTORY (LTD) incorporates two of the UK's biggest soft drinks brands, and is the third largest branded soft drinks supplier in the UK market. The company contracts >90% of UK blackcurrant production for its juice drink Ribena with a market value of £140 M. Rob Saunders is an experienced agronomist and will be responsible for the overall management of the project and will provide experienced staff to carry out assessments of uniformity of ripening. YARA UK LTD is specialist producer of ammonia, nitrated and NPK crop nutrition products offering the most comprehensive range of fertilizers in the industry, their portfolio ranges from single nutrient fertilizers to complex compounds and micronutrients for feeding plants. Mike Stoker will co-ordinate the nutritional analysis of bud material, metabolite screening and product development of an improved nutrient based product for use in blackcurrant. AGROVISTA UK Ltd has been established for more than 60 years as the leading supplier of agronomy advice, services and crop protection products to UK farming with a dedicated fruit team. Agrovista will supply automated gas burners and weather stations for each grower site and provide staff to assist in the assessment of uniformity of ripening. JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE (JHI) is an international research centre tackling challenging problems such as the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security. JHI has an active blackcurrant breeding programme led for over 25 years by Dr Brennan, who is an expert in developing breeding tools for traits such as dormancy, quality and phenology in woody species. Prof Jones specialises in developing crop management and improvement strategies in changing climates, including modelling of crop responses to climate change. JHI has access to controlled environment facilities to facilitate the modelling of blackcurrant cv responses to chilling, and also has a wide range of blackcurrant germplasm established in field conditions. In addition, JHI has equipment and expertise to determine the effects of dormancy treatments on fruit quality, to safeguard both the supply chain and end users of blackcurrant products. MICHAEL H KEENE & SON LTD, PIXLEY BERRIES (JUICE) LTD AND SUB-CONTRACTORS C H KING & SONS AND R. BOUCHER & SONS and are major blackcurrant growers/blackcurrant juice ingredient suppliers suffering serious problems from inadequate winter chill. Collectively they have extensive experience in growing and managing blackcurrant crops. The growers will provide sites for the trials, manage polytunnels for winter chill protection and carry out assessments of bud break and berry drop. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a statutory levy body that primarily funds research and development (R&D) and knowledge transfer (KT). HDC involvement would aim to deliver improvements to crop quality, consistency of supply and production efficiency principally through active participation in project management meetings and delivering KT on the project outcomes. |
| Impact | Owing to the confidential nature of this project, outcomes of this project have not yet been made public |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Winter chilling in blackcurrants: adapting to climate change, through new technologies for improved dormancy release |
| Organisation | Agrovista UK Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | EAST MALLING RESEARCH (EMR) is the leading perennial fruit crop research organisation in the UK and has key expertise in using detailed scientific understanding of hormonal regulation of plant developmental processes (Dr Else). Prof Cross is a spray application specialist developing systems for safe and effective spray application for fruit and other perennial crops including dose adjustment for blackcurrants, top- and stone fruits. EMR has access to analytical equipment (HPLC/GC-MS) to quantify hormones and a motorised sprayer for treatment applications. Dr Skipper has experience in managing TSB work packages through involvement in project 101626. EMR also has experience and expertise in the scientific management of linked RTO-industry projects (Dr Else, Prof. Cross). |
| Collaborator Contribution | LUCOZADE RIBENA SUNTORY (LTD) incorporates two of the UK's biggest soft drinks brands, and is the third largest branded soft drinks supplier in the UK market. The company contracts >90% of UK blackcurrant production for its juice drink Ribena with a market value of £140 M. Rob Saunders is an experienced agronomist and will be responsible for the overall management of the project and will provide experienced staff to carry out assessments of uniformity of ripening. YARA UK LTD is specialist producer of ammonia, nitrated and NPK crop nutrition products offering the most comprehensive range of fertilizers in the industry, their portfolio ranges from single nutrient fertilizers to complex compounds and micronutrients for feeding plants. Mike Stoker will co-ordinate the nutritional analysis of bud material, metabolite screening and product development of an improved nutrient based product for use in blackcurrant. AGROVISTA UK Ltd has been established for more than 60 years as the leading supplier of agronomy advice, services and crop protection products to UK farming with a dedicated fruit team. Agrovista will supply automated gas burners and weather stations for each grower site and provide staff to assist in the assessment of uniformity of ripening. JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE (JHI) is an international research centre tackling challenging problems such as the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security. JHI has an active blackcurrant breeding programme led for over 25 years by Dr Brennan, who is an expert in developing breeding tools for traits such as dormancy, quality and phenology in woody species. Prof Jones specialises in developing crop management and improvement strategies in changing climates, including modelling of crop responses to climate change. JHI has access to controlled environment facilities to facilitate the modelling of blackcurrant cv responses to chilling, and also has a wide range of blackcurrant germplasm established in field conditions. In addition, JHI has equipment and expertise to determine the effects of dormancy treatments on fruit quality, to safeguard both the supply chain and end users of blackcurrant products. MICHAEL H KEENE & SON LTD, PIXLEY BERRIES (JUICE) LTD AND SUB-CONTRACTORS C H KING & SONS AND R. BOUCHER & SONS and are major blackcurrant growers/blackcurrant juice ingredient suppliers suffering serious problems from inadequate winter chill. Collectively they have extensive experience in growing and managing blackcurrant crops. The growers will provide sites for the trials, manage polytunnels for winter chill protection and carry out assessments of bud break and berry drop. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a statutory levy body that primarily funds research and development (R&D) and knowledge transfer (KT). HDC involvement would aim to deliver improvements to crop quality, consistency of supply and production efficiency principally through active participation in project management meetings and delivering KT on the project outcomes. |
| Impact | Owing to the confidential nature of this project, outcomes of this project have not yet been made public |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Winter chilling in blackcurrants: adapting to climate change, through new technologies for improved dormancy release |
| Organisation | Asplins Producer Organisation Limited |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | EAST MALLING RESEARCH (EMR) is the leading perennial fruit crop research organisation in the UK and has key expertise in using detailed scientific understanding of hormonal regulation of plant developmental processes (Dr Else). Prof Cross is a spray application specialist developing systems for safe and effective spray application for fruit and other perennial crops including dose adjustment for blackcurrants, top- and stone fruits. EMR has access to analytical equipment (HPLC/GC-MS) to quantify hormones and a motorised sprayer for treatment applications. Dr Skipper has experience in managing TSB work packages through involvement in project 101626. EMR also has experience and expertise in the scientific management of linked RTO-industry projects (Dr Else, Prof. Cross). |
| Collaborator Contribution | LUCOZADE RIBENA SUNTORY (LTD) incorporates two of the UK's biggest soft drinks brands, and is the third largest branded soft drinks supplier in the UK market. The company contracts >90% of UK blackcurrant production for its juice drink Ribena with a market value of £140 M. Rob Saunders is an experienced agronomist and will be responsible for the overall management of the project and will provide experienced staff to carry out assessments of uniformity of ripening. YARA UK LTD is specialist producer of ammonia, nitrated and NPK crop nutrition products offering the most comprehensive range of fertilizers in the industry, their portfolio ranges from single nutrient fertilizers to complex compounds and micronutrients for feeding plants. Mike Stoker will co-ordinate the nutritional analysis of bud material, metabolite screening and product development of an improved nutrient based product for use in blackcurrant. AGROVISTA UK Ltd has been established for more than 60 years as the leading supplier of agronomy advice, services and crop protection products to UK farming with a dedicated fruit team. Agrovista will supply automated gas burners and weather stations for each grower site and provide staff to assist in the assessment of uniformity of ripening. JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE (JHI) is an international research centre tackling challenging problems such as the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security. JHI has an active blackcurrant breeding programme led for over 25 years by Dr Brennan, who is an expert in developing breeding tools for traits such as dormancy, quality and phenology in woody species. Prof Jones specialises in developing crop management and improvement strategies in changing climates, including modelling of crop responses to climate change. JHI has access to controlled environment facilities to facilitate the modelling of blackcurrant cv responses to chilling, and also has a wide range of blackcurrant germplasm established in field conditions. In addition, JHI has equipment and expertise to determine the effects of dormancy treatments on fruit quality, to safeguard both the supply chain and end users of blackcurrant products. MICHAEL H KEENE & SON LTD, PIXLEY BERRIES (JUICE) LTD AND SUB-CONTRACTORS C H KING & SONS AND R. BOUCHER & SONS and are major blackcurrant growers/blackcurrant juice ingredient suppliers suffering serious problems from inadequate winter chill. Collectively they have extensive experience in growing and managing blackcurrant crops. The growers will provide sites for the trials, manage polytunnels for winter chill protection and carry out assessments of bud break and berry drop. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a statutory levy body that primarily funds research and development (R&D) and knowledge transfer (KT). HDC involvement would aim to deliver improvements to crop quality, consistency of supply and production efficiency principally through active participation in project management meetings and delivering KT on the project outcomes. |
| Impact | Owing to the confidential nature of this project, outcomes of this project have not yet been made public |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Winter chilling in blackcurrants: adapting to climate change, through new technologies for improved dormancy release |
| Organisation | James Hutton Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | EAST MALLING RESEARCH (EMR) is the leading perennial fruit crop research organisation in the UK and has key expertise in using detailed scientific understanding of hormonal regulation of plant developmental processes (Dr Else). Prof Cross is a spray application specialist developing systems for safe and effective spray application for fruit and other perennial crops including dose adjustment for blackcurrants, top- and stone fruits. EMR has access to analytical equipment (HPLC/GC-MS) to quantify hormones and a motorised sprayer for treatment applications. Dr Skipper has experience in managing TSB work packages through involvement in project 101626. EMR also has experience and expertise in the scientific management of linked RTO-industry projects (Dr Else, Prof. Cross). |
| Collaborator Contribution | LUCOZADE RIBENA SUNTORY (LTD) incorporates two of the UK's biggest soft drinks brands, and is the third largest branded soft drinks supplier in the UK market. The company contracts >90% of UK blackcurrant production for its juice drink Ribena with a market value of £140 M. Rob Saunders is an experienced agronomist and will be responsible for the overall management of the project and will provide experienced staff to carry out assessments of uniformity of ripening. YARA UK LTD is specialist producer of ammonia, nitrated and NPK crop nutrition products offering the most comprehensive range of fertilizers in the industry, their portfolio ranges from single nutrient fertilizers to complex compounds and micronutrients for feeding plants. Mike Stoker will co-ordinate the nutritional analysis of bud material, metabolite screening and product development of an improved nutrient based product for use in blackcurrant. AGROVISTA UK Ltd has been established for more than 60 years as the leading supplier of agronomy advice, services and crop protection products to UK farming with a dedicated fruit team. Agrovista will supply automated gas burners and weather stations for each grower site and provide staff to assist in the assessment of uniformity of ripening. JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE (JHI) is an international research centre tackling challenging problems such as the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security. JHI has an active blackcurrant breeding programme led for over 25 years by Dr Brennan, who is an expert in developing breeding tools for traits such as dormancy, quality and phenology in woody species. Prof Jones specialises in developing crop management and improvement strategies in changing climates, including modelling of crop responses to climate change. JHI has access to controlled environment facilities to facilitate the modelling of blackcurrant cv responses to chilling, and also has a wide range of blackcurrant germplasm established in field conditions. In addition, JHI has equipment and expertise to determine the effects of dormancy treatments on fruit quality, to safeguard both the supply chain and end users of blackcurrant products. MICHAEL H KEENE & SON LTD, PIXLEY BERRIES (JUICE) LTD AND SUB-CONTRACTORS C H KING & SONS AND R. BOUCHER & SONS and are major blackcurrant growers/blackcurrant juice ingredient suppliers suffering serious problems from inadequate winter chill. Collectively they have extensive experience in growing and managing blackcurrant crops. The growers will provide sites for the trials, manage polytunnels for winter chill protection and carry out assessments of bud break and berry drop. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a statutory levy body that primarily funds research and development (R&D) and knowledge transfer (KT). HDC involvement would aim to deliver improvements to crop quality, consistency of supply and production efficiency principally through active participation in project management meetings and delivering KT on the project outcomes. |
| Impact | Owing to the confidential nature of this project, outcomes of this project have not yet been made public |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Winter chilling in blackcurrants: adapting to climate change, through new technologies for improved dormancy release |
| Organisation | Lucozade Ribena Suntory |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | EAST MALLING RESEARCH (EMR) is the leading perennial fruit crop research organisation in the UK and has key expertise in using detailed scientific understanding of hormonal regulation of plant developmental processes (Dr Else). Prof Cross is a spray application specialist developing systems for safe and effective spray application for fruit and other perennial crops including dose adjustment for blackcurrants, top- and stone fruits. EMR has access to analytical equipment (HPLC/GC-MS) to quantify hormones and a motorised sprayer for treatment applications. Dr Skipper has experience in managing TSB work packages through involvement in project 101626. EMR also has experience and expertise in the scientific management of linked RTO-industry projects (Dr Else, Prof. Cross). |
| Collaborator Contribution | LUCOZADE RIBENA SUNTORY (LTD) incorporates two of the UK's biggest soft drinks brands, and is the third largest branded soft drinks supplier in the UK market. The company contracts >90% of UK blackcurrant production for its juice drink Ribena with a market value of £140 M. Rob Saunders is an experienced agronomist and will be responsible for the overall management of the project and will provide experienced staff to carry out assessments of uniformity of ripening. YARA UK LTD is specialist producer of ammonia, nitrated and NPK crop nutrition products offering the most comprehensive range of fertilizers in the industry, their portfolio ranges from single nutrient fertilizers to complex compounds and micronutrients for feeding plants. Mike Stoker will co-ordinate the nutritional analysis of bud material, metabolite screening and product development of an improved nutrient based product for use in blackcurrant. AGROVISTA UK Ltd has been established for more than 60 years as the leading supplier of agronomy advice, services and crop protection products to UK farming with a dedicated fruit team. Agrovista will supply automated gas burners and weather stations for each grower site and provide staff to assist in the assessment of uniformity of ripening. JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE (JHI) is an international research centre tackling challenging problems such as the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security. JHI has an active blackcurrant breeding programme led for over 25 years by Dr Brennan, who is an expert in developing breeding tools for traits such as dormancy, quality and phenology in woody species. Prof Jones specialises in developing crop management and improvement strategies in changing climates, including modelling of crop responses to climate change. JHI has access to controlled environment facilities to facilitate the modelling of blackcurrant cv responses to chilling, and also has a wide range of blackcurrant germplasm established in field conditions. In addition, JHI has equipment and expertise to determine the effects of dormancy treatments on fruit quality, to safeguard both the supply chain and end users of blackcurrant products. MICHAEL H KEENE & SON LTD, PIXLEY BERRIES (JUICE) LTD AND SUB-CONTRACTORS C H KING & SONS AND R. BOUCHER & SONS and are major blackcurrant growers/blackcurrant juice ingredient suppliers suffering serious problems from inadequate winter chill. Collectively they have extensive experience in growing and managing blackcurrant crops. The growers will provide sites for the trials, manage polytunnels for winter chill protection and carry out assessments of bud break and berry drop. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a statutory levy body that primarily funds research and development (R&D) and knowledge transfer (KT). HDC involvement would aim to deliver improvements to crop quality, consistency of supply and production efficiency principally through active participation in project management meetings and delivering KT on the project outcomes. |
| Impact | Owing to the confidential nature of this project, outcomes of this project have not yet been made public |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Winter chilling in blackcurrants: adapting to climate change, through new technologies for improved dormancy release |
| Organisation | Michael H Keene and Son Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | EAST MALLING RESEARCH (EMR) is the leading perennial fruit crop research organisation in the UK and has key expertise in using detailed scientific understanding of hormonal regulation of plant developmental processes (Dr Else). Prof Cross is a spray application specialist developing systems for safe and effective spray application for fruit and other perennial crops including dose adjustment for blackcurrants, top- and stone fruits. EMR has access to analytical equipment (HPLC/GC-MS) to quantify hormones and a motorised sprayer for treatment applications. Dr Skipper has experience in managing TSB work packages through involvement in project 101626. EMR also has experience and expertise in the scientific management of linked RTO-industry projects (Dr Else, Prof. Cross). |
| Collaborator Contribution | LUCOZADE RIBENA SUNTORY (LTD) incorporates two of the UK's biggest soft drinks brands, and is the third largest branded soft drinks supplier in the UK market. The company contracts >90% of UK blackcurrant production for its juice drink Ribena with a market value of £140 M. Rob Saunders is an experienced agronomist and will be responsible for the overall management of the project and will provide experienced staff to carry out assessments of uniformity of ripening. YARA UK LTD is specialist producer of ammonia, nitrated and NPK crop nutrition products offering the most comprehensive range of fertilizers in the industry, their portfolio ranges from single nutrient fertilizers to complex compounds and micronutrients for feeding plants. Mike Stoker will co-ordinate the nutritional analysis of bud material, metabolite screening and product development of an improved nutrient based product for use in blackcurrant. AGROVISTA UK Ltd has been established for more than 60 years as the leading supplier of agronomy advice, services and crop protection products to UK farming with a dedicated fruit team. Agrovista will supply automated gas burners and weather stations for each grower site and provide staff to assist in the assessment of uniformity of ripening. JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE (JHI) is an international research centre tackling challenging problems such as the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security. JHI has an active blackcurrant breeding programme led for over 25 years by Dr Brennan, who is an expert in developing breeding tools for traits such as dormancy, quality and phenology in woody species. Prof Jones specialises in developing crop management and improvement strategies in changing climates, including modelling of crop responses to climate change. JHI has access to controlled environment facilities to facilitate the modelling of blackcurrant cv responses to chilling, and also has a wide range of blackcurrant germplasm established in field conditions. In addition, JHI has equipment and expertise to determine the effects of dormancy treatments on fruit quality, to safeguard both the supply chain and end users of blackcurrant products. MICHAEL H KEENE & SON LTD, PIXLEY BERRIES (JUICE) LTD AND SUB-CONTRACTORS C H KING & SONS AND R. BOUCHER & SONS and are major blackcurrant growers/blackcurrant juice ingredient suppliers suffering serious problems from inadequate winter chill. Collectively they have extensive experience in growing and managing blackcurrant crops. The growers will provide sites for the trials, manage polytunnels for winter chill protection and carry out assessments of bud break and berry drop. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a statutory levy body that primarily funds research and development (R&D) and knowledge transfer (KT). HDC involvement would aim to deliver improvements to crop quality, consistency of supply and production efficiency principally through active participation in project management meetings and delivering KT on the project outcomes. |
| Impact | Owing to the confidential nature of this project, outcomes of this project have not yet been made public |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Winter chilling in blackcurrants: adapting to climate change, through new technologies for improved dormancy release |
| Organisation | Pixley Berries (Juice) Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | EAST MALLING RESEARCH (EMR) is the leading perennial fruit crop research organisation in the UK and has key expertise in using detailed scientific understanding of hormonal regulation of plant developmental processes (Dr Else). Prof Cross is a spray application specialist developing systems for safe and effective spray application for fruit and other perennial crops including dose adjustment for blackcurrants, top- and stone fruits. EMR has access to analytical equipment (HPLC/GC-MS) to quantify hormones and a motorised sprayer for treatment applications. Dr Skipper has experience in managing TSB work packages through involvement in project 101626. EMR also has experience and expertise in the scientific management of linked RTO-industry projects (Dr Else, Prof. Cross). |
| Collaborator Contribution | LUCOZADE RIBENA SUNTORY (LTD) incorporates two of the UK's biggest soft drinks brands, and is the third largest branded soft drinks supplier in the UK market. The company contracts >90% of UK blackcurrant production for its juice drink Ribena with a market value of £140 M. Rob Saunders is an experienced agronomist and will be responsible for the overall management of the project and will provide experienced staff to carry out assessments of uniformity of ripening. YARA UK LTD is specialist producer of ammonia, nitrated and NPK crop nutrition products offering the most comprehensive range of fertilizers in the industry, their portfolio ranges from single nutrient fertilizers to complex compounds and micronutrients for feeding plants. Mike Stoker will co-ordinate the nutritional analysis of bud material, metabolite screening and product development of an improved nutrient based product for use in blackcurrant. AGROVISTA UK Ltd has been established for more than 60 years as the leading supplier of agronomy advice, services and crop protection products to UK farming with a dedicated fruit team. Agrovista will supply automated gas burners and weather stations for each grower site and provide staff to assist in the assessment of uniformity of ripening. JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE (JHI) is an international research centre tackling challenging problems such as the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security. JHI has an active blackcurrant breeding programme led for over 25 years by Dr Brennan, who is an expert in developing breeding tools for traits such as dormancy, quality and phenology in woody species. Prof Jones specialises in developing crop management and improvement strategies in changing climates, including modelling of crop responses to climate change. JHI has access to controlled environment facilities to facilitate the modelling of blackcurrant cv responses to chilling, and also has a wide range of blackcurrant germplasm established in field conditions. In addition, JHI has equipment and expertise to determine the effects of dormancy treatments on fruit quality, to safeguard both the supply chain and end users of blackcurrant products. MICHAEL H KEENE & SON LTD, PIXLEY BERRIES (JUICE) LTD AND SUB-CONTRACTORS C H KING & SONS AND R. BOUCHER & SONS and are major blackcurrant growers/blackcurrant juice ingredient suppliers suffering serious problems from inadequate winter chill. Collectively they have extensive experience in growing and managing blackcurrant crops. The growers will provide sites for the trials, manage polytunnels for winter chill protection and carry out assessments of bud break and berry drop. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a statutory levy body that primarily funds research and development (R&D) and knowledge transfer (KT). HDC involvement would aim to deliver improvements to crop quality, consistency of supply and production efficiency principally through active participation in project management meetings and delivering KT on the project outcomes. |
| Impact | Owing to the confidential nature of this project, outcomes of this project have not yet been made public |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Winter chilling in blackcurrants: adapting to climate change, through new technologies for improved dormancy release |
| Organisation | Yara (UK) Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | EAST MALLING RESEARCH (EMR) is the leading perennial fruit crop research organisation in the UK and has key expertise in using detailed scientific understanding of hormonal regulation of plant developmental processes (Dr Else). Prof Cross is a spray application specialist developing systems for safe and effective spray application for fruit and other perennial crops including dose adjustment for blackcurrants, top- and stone fruits. EMR has access to analytical equipment (HPLC/GC-MS) to quantify hormones and a motorised sprayer for treatment applications. Dr Skipper has experience in managing TSB work packages through involvement in project 101626. EMR also has experience and expertise in the scientific management of linked RTO-industry projects (Dr Else, Prof. Cross). |
| Collaborator Contribution | LUCOZADE RIBENA SUNTORY (LTD) incorporates two of the UK's biggest soft drinks brands, and is the third largest branded soft drinks supplier in the UK market. The company contracts >90% of UK blackcurrant production for its juice drink Ribena with a market value of £140 M. Rob Saunders is an experienced agronomist and will be responsible for the overall management of the project and will provide experienced staff to carry out assessments of uniformity of ripening. YARA UK LTD is specialist producer of ammonia, nitrated and NPK crop nutrition products offering the most comprehensive range of fertilizers in the industry, their portfolio ranges from single nutrient fertilizers to complex compounds and micronutrients for feeding plants. Mike Stoker will co-ordinate the nutritional analysis of bud material, metabolite screening and product development of an improved nutrient based product for use in blackcurrant. AGROVISTA UK Ltd has been established for more than 60 years as the leading supplier of agronomy advice, services and crop protection products to UK farming with a dedicated fruit team. Agrovista will supply automated gas burners and weather stations for each grower site and provide staff to assist in the assessment of uniformity of ripening. JAMES HUTTON INSTITUTE (JHI) is an international research centre tackling challenging problems such as the impact of climate change and threats to food and water security. JHI has an active blackcurrant breeding programme led for over 25 years by Dr Brennan, who is an expert in developing breeding tools for traits such as dormancy, quality and phenology in woody species. Prof Jones specialises in developing crop management and improvement strategies in changing climates, including modelling of crop responses to climate change. JHI has access to controlled environment facilities to facilitate the modelling of blackcurrant cv responses to chilling, and also has a wide range of blackcurrant germplasm established in field conditions. In addition, JHI has equipment and expertise to determine the effects of dormancy treatments on fruit quality, to safeguard both the supply chain and end users of blackcurrant products. MICHAEL H KEENE & SON LTD, PIXLEY BERRIES (JUICE) LTD AND SUB-CONTRACTORS C H KING & SONS AND R. BOUCHER & SONS and are major blackcurrant growers/blackcurrant juice ingredient suppliers suffering serious problems from inadequate winter chill. Collectively they have extensive experience in growing and managing blackcurrant crops. The growers will provide sites for the trials, manage polytunnels for winter chill protection and carry out assessments of bud break and berry drop. Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a statutory levy body that primarily funds research and development (R&D) and knowledge transfer (KT). HDC involvement would aim to deliver improvements to crop quality, consistency of supply and production efficiency principally through active participation in project management meetings and delivering KT on the project outcomes. |
| Impact | Owing to the confidential nature of this project, outcomes of this project have not yet been made public |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Innovate UK Blackcurrant dormacy breaking project launch 18 Mar 15 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Project launch meeting including reaffirmation of mission, work planning and information exchange on dormancy and dormancy breaking treatments for UK blackcurrants |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Innovate UK Blackcurrant dormancy breaking Q1 consortium meeting 13 May 15 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Reporting and planning blackcurrant dormancy breaking experiments |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Innovate UK Blackcurrant dormancy breaking Q2 consortium meeting 11 Aug 15 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Planning and discussing experimental work on dormancy breaking in blackcurrants |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | Innovate UK Blackcurrant dormancy breaking Q3 consortium meeting 17 Nov 15 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Planning and discussing experimental work on dormancy breaking in blackcurrants |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |