16AGRITECHCAT5: Integrated control of Leptosphaeria pathogens on UK winter oilseed rape

Lead Research Organisation: University of Hertfordshire
Department Name: School of Life and Medical Sciences

Abstract

Phoma stem canker is an economically important disease of oilseed rape in the UK, leading to annual yield losses > £100M. This disease is caused by two closely related pathogens: Leptosphaeria biglobosa and L. maculans. However, current control of this disease focuses only on L. maculans and does not account for epidemics caused by L. biglobosa. This is one reason why this disease still causes substantial yield losses in the UK, despite the use of fungicides costing £20 M p.a. Results of recent work showed that L. biglobosa can be as destructive as L. maculans and that L. biglobosa is less sensitive to triazole fungicides than L. maculans. Therefore, L. biglobosa is a growing threat to oilseed rape production in the UK since no methods have been developed to control it. Previous research has mainly focused on improving control of L. maculans by both cultivar resistance and fungicides and little work has been done on control of L. biglobosa.

The aims of this project are to understand stem canker epidemics caused by L. biglobosa and to develop new strategies for better control of phoma stem canker by targeting both causal pathogens (L. biglobosa and L. maculans).

This project will use molecular techniques to investigate the differences between different regions in proportions of L. biglobosa and L. maculans in pathogen populations from air samples and differences in proportions of L. biglobosa and L. maculans in oilseed rape stems with severe canker symptoms sampled from different field trials and farmer's fields. Results will be used to guide deployment of cultivars with suitable resistance for the region where the corresponding pathogen species (L. biglobosa or L. maculans) is predominant.

Control of severe stem canker epidemics involves fungicides. However, current fungicide control targets only L. maculans and has relied on use of triazole fungicides. Recent work showed that L. biglobosa is less sensitive to triazole fungicides than L. maculans. This project will investigate efficacy of triazole and non-triazole fungicides for control of L. biglobosa as well as L. maculans. The new knowledge about efficacy of different fungicides for control of the two pathogens, combined with the information about proportions of L. biglobosa and L. maculans in pathogen populations, will enable better control of the disease by targeted fungicide application. This project will also investigate the mechanisms of changes in sensitivity to different fungicides in L. biglobosa and L. maculans. The new knowledge will be used to guide use of existing fungicides and development of new fungicides.

Use of host resistance is an effective and environmentally friendly way to control plant diseases. However, previous work on oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker has been focused on resistance against L. maculans with no work done on resistance against L. biglobosa. This project will assess cultivars and pre-breeding material for resistance against L. biglobosa and use recent developments in genomics to identify candidate resistance genes. This will provide new knowledge for improving breeding and using cultivar resistance to control the disease.

New knowledge obtained from this project about the two causal pathogens, host resistance and efficacy of different fungicides for controlling them will be used to develop integrated control strategies for better control of phoma stem canker. This project will benefit growers by reducing yield losses through development of effective control methods targeting both pathogens. It will also address the challenge of food security. The environment will also benefit from reduced use of fungicides through targeted fungicide applications.

Technical Summary

Phoma stem canker is an economically important disease of oilseed rape in the UK, leading to annual yield losses > £100M. This disease is caused by two closely related pathogens: Leptosphaeria biglobosa and L. maculans. However, current control of this disease focuses only on L. maculans and does not account for epidemics caused by L. biglobosa.

The aims of this project are to understand stem canker epidemics caused by L. biglobosa and to develop new strategies for better control of phoma stem canker by targeting both causal pathogens (L. biglobosa and L. maculans).

This project will use molecular techniques to investigate the differences between different regions in proportions of L. biglobosa and L. maculans in pathogen populations. Results will be used to guide deployment of cultivars with suitable resistance for the region where the corresponding pathogen species (L. biglobosa or L. maculans) is predominant.

Control of severe stem canker epidemics involves fungicides. However, current fungicide control targets only L. maculans and has relied on use of triazole fungicides. This project will investigate efficacy of triazole and non-triazole fungicides for control of L. biglobosa as well as L. maculans.

Use of host resistance is an effective and environmentally friendly way to control plant diseases. However, previous work on oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker has been focused on resistance against L. maculans with no work done on resistance against L. biglobosa. This project will assess cultivars and pre-breeding material for resistance against L. biglobosa and use recent developments in genomics to identify candidate resistance genes.

New knowledge obtained from this project about the two causal pathogens, host resistance and efficacy of different fungicides for controlling them will be used to develop integrated control strategies for better control of phoma stem canker.

Planned Impact

A major beneficiary of the project will be growers. New knowledge produced from this project will not only enable better control phoma stem canker to increase yield (by reducing yield losses from the disease) but also help to reduce cost of fungicides (by targeted fungicide application to eliminate unnecessary sprays) to improve profitability. Therefore, this project will help growers to achieve more sustainable and profitable control of phoma stem canker in oilseed rape.

Another major beneficiary of the project will be plant breeders. Currently, there is no information about host resistance against L. biglobosa. The project will develop methods to screen for resistance against L. biglobosa in cultivars and pre-breeding materials, and search for candidate resistance genes using new bioinformatics. Results of this project will provide breeders with materials and information for breeding cultivars with resistance against L. biglobosa.

This project will also benefit agrochemical companies. Current use of fungicides for control of phoma stem canker mainly targets L. maculans and relies on triazole fungicides. This project will investigate efficacy of triazole and non-triazole fungicides for control of L. biglobosa as well as L. maculans. Results from this research will help agrochemical companies to develop and market fungicides for effective control of phoma stem canker by targeting both pathogens.

Agricultural advisors will also benefit by providing better disease control advice. With the new information about differences in pathogen populations between regions, differences in resistance against L. biglobosa and/or L. maculans between cultivars and differences in efficacy for control of L. biglobosa and L. maculans between different fungicides, agronomists can make recommendations on use of effective host resistance and effective fungicides for effective control of phoma stem canker.

Ultimately the public and environment will benefit from reduced fungicide use through improved guidance on deployment of host resistance and targeted fungicide applications. Furthermore, improved disease control in oilseed rape crops will increase yield, which will contribute to national food security. Improved control of phoma stem canker will not only increase yield to contribute to food security, but also reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to contribute to climate change mitigation.

The involvement of seven different partners from different parts of agricultural industry in this project will ensure that outcomes of this research are exploited directly to translate scientific outputs into practical improvements to current disease management strategies. Improved understanding of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by both pathogens and use of host resistance and effective fungicides for control them will benefit the scientific communities (e.g. Leptosphaeria Research Community and Brassica Research Community), because phoma stem canker is not only a disease problem on oilseed rape in the UK but also a global disease on oilseed rape and brassica vegetables.

In addition, this project will also provide training to young students in applied plant pathology, an area currently experiencing skill shortage in the UK (http://www.bspp.org.uk/news). The young applied plant pathologist trained by this project will benefit the UK agricultural industry and supports the UK Government's priority to prevent the spread of animal and plant diseases (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/combined-agency-tosafeguardanimal-and-plant-health).

Publications

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Sewell T (2016) Azole sensitivity in Leptosphaeria species: the role of lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase

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Sewell T (2016) Effects of a penthiopyrad and picoxystrobin fungicide mixture on phoma stem canker (Leptosphaeria spp.) on UK winter oilseed rape in European Journal of Plant Pathology

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Sewell TR (2017) Azole sensitivity in Leptosphaeria pathogens of oilseed rape: the role of lanosterol 14a-demethylase. in Scientific reports

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Shabana YM (2021) Biodiversity of Pathogenic and Toxigenic Seed-Borne Mycoflora of Wheat in Egypt and Their Correlations with Weather Variables. in Biology

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Shabana YM (2022) Distribution and Biodiversity of Seed-Borne Pathogenic and Toxigenic Fungi of Maize in Egypt and Their Correlations with Weather Variables. in Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

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Shah UA (2018) Identification, Molecular Characterization, and Biology of a Novel Quadrivirus Infecting the Phytopathogenic Fungus Leptosphaeria biglobosa. in Viruses

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Shah UA (2020) Mycovirus-Induced Hypervirulence of Leptosphaeria biglobosa Enhances Systemic Acquired Resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans in Brassica napus. in Molecular plant-microbe interactions : MPMI

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Stotz HU (2018) Genomic evidence for genes encoding leucine-rich repeat receptors linked to resistance against the eukaryotic extra- and intracellular Brassica napus pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and Plasmodiophora brassicae. in PloS one

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Stotz HU (2016) Bioinformatic and molecular approaches to understand resistance against extracellular pathogens

 
Description This project is continuing work on the relative importance of two Leptosphaeria species in UK oilseed rape. All partners in this project have been working together to commercialise the results. New phoma stem canker control knowledge has been disseminated to the industry, primarily through Hutchinsons' on-farm advisory and knowledge transfer team, KWS and Corteva Agriscience's commercial marketing teams, and more widely through inter-linked web-sites. In addition, new information has been disseminated to industry partners quickly by email so that the disease control practice can be optimised. For example, the dates of ascospore release have been sent to partners by email so that they can prepare for fungicide applications. New findings will also be publicised through conferences and academic journals.
Exploitation Route Due to the differences between industry partners in the nature of their businesses, in addition to work together to commercialise the results, partners also have their own additional routes of exploitation.
(1). Hutchinsons continues to lead the knowledge transfer since they have an extensive, commercially effective network of 230 agronomists, together with an efficient knowledge transfer network to fast-track findings from their own trials to farm practice. The new knowledge produced in this project continues to be disseminated to agronomists through training sessions and technical meetings. Agronomists adapt their advice by using the new knowledge from this project. New information about differences in distribution of L. biglobosa and L. maculans between regions is used by agronomists to make recommendations to farmers on choice of cultivars with effective resistance in their regions and therefore ensure that farmers achieve maximum yields. New information about timing of ascospore release in each growing season is used by agronomists to provide guidance on targeted fungicide applications.
Results of this project on efficacy of different fungicides for control the two causal pathogens (L. biglobosa and L. maculans) are used by agronomists to provide guidance on choice of fungicides for effective control of this disease. This will be particularly useful once results on Inatreq are produced should it become cleared for use in OSR. New information from the quarterly project meetings is immediately passed on to Hutchinsons' agronomists so that farmers can benefit from the project to achieve effective disease control to increase yield.
Hutchinsons holds conferences/meetings for agronomists and farmers (normally over winter months) to transfer the new knowledge and hold open days for farmers (normally in spring and autumn) at Hutchinsons' Regional Technology Centres to demonstrate the effects of use of new knowledge for better disease control. Hutchinsons writes articles on the project for its' Fieldwise Newsletter, which is distributed to larger growers via CPM magazine, and liaise with the press on relevant articles. Hutchinsons increasingly uses modern methods of communication such as Twitter to inform growers of the new information on Phoma stem canker.
All this information is used to increase the technical profile of Hutchinsons within the agricultural industry, leading to new business opportunities through attraction of new clients and retention of existing clients. It may also lead to opportunities for participation in future research projects, which will increase Hutchinsons' technical profile still further.
(2). The breeding company KWS exploits the knowledge gained about host resistance to improve development of hybrid varieties with good resistance against both causal pathogens (L. biglobosa and L. maculans). Information about distribution of the two causal pathogens is used for an improved marketing of KWS varieties carrying the resistances. New methods of screening for resistance under controlled environment conditions are used to test breeding material earlier in the breeding process for its resistance against both pathogens. Breeding lines with good resistance against both causal pathogens have been identified and will be used in our breeding programme.
(3) The agrochemical company Corteva Agriscience (formerly DuPont) exploits new knowledge about sensitivity of L. biglobosa and L. maculans to different fungicides from in vitro tests to develop new fungicides and to improve targeted marketing of fungicides. Given the loss of annex 1 listing for picoxystrobin, Refinzar is no longer registered. This impacts the immediate ability of Corteva Agriscience to exploit the knowledge gained during this project. However, Corteva has a development pipeline including new active ingredients which will be characterised for activity on oilseed rape pathogens including L. biglobosa and L. maculans. The knowledge gained during this project is essential in the research and development of any new fungicide found to have activity and may result in new, more effective control options for growers. Recently, we have provided two new fungicides for the academic partner to test the efficacy of these fungicides for controlling the three major fungal pathogens of UK oilseed rape. We will exploit the new results with these two new fungicides.
In addition, this project has provided the opportunity for Corteva Agriscience to enhance their cross-industry relationships. As a result, more dialogue between industry partners improves their understanding of opportunities and threats in the industry and increases the potential for further research collaborations in the future.
(4) Weston Park Farm and Grove Farm, as farmer members of the consortium, directly exploit the results from this project (i.e. rapid transfer of research results into on-farm disease control practice). The timings of fungicide applications were guided by the information of pathogen spore release. The results of spore sample analysis for proportions of L. biglobosa and L. maculans in the air in each growing season were used to guide farm practice for choice of cultivars and timing of fungicide applications. Field experiments and improved farm practice for effective control of phoma stem canker at these two farms in this project will be used as a demonstration to others. In addition, Grove farm disseminated the new information generated in this project through a farm open-day event.
(5) SynTech Research UK, as a provider of services for research field trials, directly exploits the knowledge and experience from this project to provide better services, which will lead to an increase of its market share in the UK. We will continue to welcome opportunities for participation in future research projects, which will increase our technical profile and attach more customers.
(6) The University of Hertfordshire (UH), as the academic partner in the consortium, continues to work with Hutchinsons and other partners on knowledge transfer by producing topic sheets and posters for road-shows and for events like Cereals as well as for other farming conferences, where the findings will be displayed and discussed with farmers and agronomists. UH is the only UK group working on mechanisms of Lb and Lm interactions with oilseed rape. New findings have been presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals, which will not only benefit the scientific community but also increase the international reputation of the UK for work on these pathogens. The communication networks from all partners have been exploited to maximum effect to disseminate results and ensure multi-sector impact. Outcomes of this project are used in a UH impact case study for REF2021, together with publications resulting from the project, to increase the research income of the University. In addition, the industry partnerships developed may lead to future research projects to increase the research profile of the University.
New knowledge and techniques developed in this project have been exploited for successful control of phoma stem canker (i.e. timing of fungicide applications guided by the timing of pathogen ascospore release, deployment and development of cultivar resistance guided by structure of pathogen populations, etc). These can be used to address other major challenges faced by the agricultural industry in terms of pest and disease problems. For example, the light leaf spot disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Pyrenopeziza brassicae, is becoming a major disease problem on oilseed rape and Brassica vegetables in the UK.
Sectors Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment
URL https://www.herts.ac.uk/oregin;https://www.herts.ac.uk/research/groups-and-units/Agriculture-food-and-veterinary-sciences/crop-protection-and-climate-change;
 
Description Due to the differences between industry partners in the nature of their businesses, in addition to work together to commercialise the results, partners also have their own additional routes of exploitation. (1). Hutchinsons continues to lead the knowledge transfer since they have an extensive, commercially effective network of 230 agronomists, together with an efficient knowledge transfer network to fast-track findings from their own trials to farm practice. The new knowledge produced in this project continues to be disseminated to agronomists through training sessions and technical meetings. Hutchinsons estimate that this knowledge is disseminated to 13000 farmers per annum, with a net benefit to the company of £250000 per annum. Agronomists adapt their advice by using the new knowledge from this project. New information about differences in distribution of L. biglobosa and L. maculans between regions is used by agronomists to make recommendations to farmers on choice of cultivars with effective resistance in their regions and therefore ensure that farmers achieve maximum yields. New information about timing of ascospore release in each growing season is used by agronomists to provide guidance on targeted fungicide applications. Results of this project on efficacy of different fungicides for control the two causal pathogens (L. biglobosa and L. maculans) are used by agronomists to provide guidance on choice of fungicides for effective control of this disease. This will be particularly useful once results on Inatreq are produced should it become cleared for use in OSR. New information from the quarterly project meetings is immediately passed on to Hutchinsons' agronomists so that farmers can benefit from the project to achieve effective disease control to increase yield. Hutchinsons holds conferences/meetings for agronomists and farmers (normally over winter months) to transfer the new knowledge and hold open days for farmers (normally in spring and autumn) at Hutchinsons' Regional Technology Centres to demonstrate the effects of use of new knowledge for better disease control. Hutchinsons writes articles on the project for its' Fieldwise Newsletter, which is distributed to larger growers via CPM magazine, and liaise with the press on relevant articles. Hutchinsons increasingly uses modern methods of communication such as Twitter to inform growers of the new information on Phoma stem canker. All this information is used to increase the technical profile of Hutchinsons within the agricultural industry, leading to new business opportunities through attraction of new clients and retention of existing clients. It may also lead to opportunities for participation in future research projects, which will increase Hutchinsons' technical profile still further. (2). The breeding company KWS exploits the knowledge gained about host resistance to improve development of hybrid varieties with good resistance against both causal pathogens (L. biglobosa and L. maculans). Information about distribution of the two causal pathogens is used for an improved marketing of KWS varieties carrying the resistances. New methods of screening for resistance under controlled environment conditions are used to test breeding material earlier in the breeding process for its resistance against both pathogens. Breeding lines with good resistance against both causal pathogens have been identified and will be used in our breeding programme. (3) The agrochemical company Corteva Agriscience (formerly DuPont) exploits new knowledge about sensitivity of L. biglobosa and L. maculans to different fungicides from in vitro tests to develop new fungicides and to improve targeted marketing of fungicides. Given the loss of annex 1 listing for picoxystrobin, Refinzar is no longer registered. This impacts the immediate ability of Corteva Agriscience to exploit the knowledge gained during this project. However, Corteva has a development pipeline including new active ingredients which will be characterised for activity on oilseed rape pathogens including L. biglobosa and L. maculans. The knowledge gained during this project is essential in the research and development of any new fungicide found to have activity and may result in new, more effective control options for growers. Recently, we have provided two new fungicides for the academic partner to test the efficacy of these fungicides for controlling the three major fungal pathogens of UK oilseed rape. We will exploit the new results with these two new fungicides. In addition, this project has provided the opportunity for Corteva Agriscience to enhance their cross-industry relationships. As a result, more dialogue between industry partners improves their understanding of opportunities and threats in the industry and increases the potential for further research collaborations in the future. (4) Weston Park Farm and Grove Farm, as farmer members of the consortium, directly exploit the results from this project (i.e. rapid transfer of research results into on-farm disease control practice). The timings of fungicide applications were guided by the information of pathogen spore release. The results of spore sample analysis for proportions of L. biglobosa and L. maculans in the air in each growing season were used to guide farm practice for choice of cultivars and timing of fungicide applications. Field experiments and improved farm practice for effective control of phoma stem canker at these two farms in this project will be used as a demonstration to others. In addition, Grove farm disseminated the new information generated in this project through a farm open-day event. (5) SynTech Research UK, as a provider of services for research field trials, directly exploits the knowledge and experience from this project to provide better services, which will lead to an increase of its market share in the UK. We will continue to welcome opportunities for participation in future research projects, which will increase our technical profile and attach more customers. (6) The University of Hertfordshire (UH), as the academic partner in the consortium, continues to work with Hutchinsons and other partners on knowledge transfer by producing topic sheets and posters for road-shows and for events like Cereals as well as for other farming conferences, where the findings will be displayed and discussed with farmers and agronomists. UH is the only UK group working on mechanisms of Lb and Lm interactions with oilseed rape. New findings have been presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals, which will not only benefit the scientific community but also increase the international reputation of the UK for work on these pathogens. The communication networks from all partners have been exploited to maximum effect to disseminate results and ensure multi-sector impact. Outcomes of this project are used in a UH impact case study for REF2021, together with publications resulting from the project, to increase the research income of the University. In addition, the industry partnerships developed may lead to future research projects to increase the research profile of the University. New knowledge and techniques developed in this project have been exploited for successful control of phoma stem canker (i.e. timing of fungicide applications guided by the timing of pathogen ascospore release, deployment and development of cultivar resistance guided by structure of pathogen populations, etc). These can be used to address other major challenges faced by the agricultural industry in terms of pest and disease problems. For example, the light leaf spot disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Pyrenopeziza brassicae, is becoming a major disease problem on oilseed rape and Brassica vegetables in the UK.
First Year Of Impact 2018
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment
Impact Types Societal,Economic
 
Description Economic benefits to UK agricultural industry
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to new or Improved professional practice
Impact It has been estimated that University of Hertfordshire research on oilseed rape has benefitted UK agriculture by £10-20M per annum. Benefits include understanding to improve resistance of oilseed rape crop cultivars against pathogens that cause diseases that cause losses of more than £150M per annum. This information can be exploited by crop breeders and ultimately by agricultural distributors and farmers. Improved understanding of disease epidemics can be used to improve forecasting of the risk of severe epidemics to guide decisions on fungicide timing. The University has also provided five post-doctoral researchers who have entered the agricultural /horticultural industry (Limagrain, Elsoms, LS Plant Breeding, RSK ADAS, Royal Horticultural Society) on completion of their doctorates.
 
Description Influence on Chinese government policy in relation to import of oilseed rape seed from other countries
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health
Impact In response to our work, in November 2009 the Chinese government issued a quarantine measure restricting import of oilseed rape seed to ports in regions without the crop, unless seed was certified free from the pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans. This pathogen causes phoma stem canker, a serious disease of oilseed rape. The Chinese decision to protect its crops from this invasive species affected trade with Canada and Australia, and thus to intergovernmental discussions. Our recommendations to prevent entry of the pathogen that have been implemented by China include testing imported seed, surveying crops and training farmers to recognise disease symptoms.Subsequently, recommendations about the risks of crop debris (dockage) in seed cargoes has resulted in discussions between China and Canada, resulting in a high level agreement witnessed by the two prime ministers.
URL https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-china-canola-idUSL2N1BY1A0
 
Description Influence on Chinese government quarantine policy
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Citation in other policy documents
Impact This influenced Chinese quarantine policy in relation to import of oilseed rape seed into China from other countries. Further details of this influence are given in Zhang et al. (2014). Zhang X, White RP, Demir E, Jedryczka M, Lange RM, Islam M, Li ZQ, Huang YJ, Hall AM, Zhou G, Wang Z, Cai X, Skelsey P, Fitt BDL (2014). Leptosphaeria spp., phoma stem canker and potential spread of L. maculans on oilseed rape crops in China. Plant Pathology 63, 598-612 (Doi: 10.1111/ppa.12146)
 
Description Genomics-led improvement of biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in mustard rape for economic and environmental sustainability
Amount £1,764,019 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/R019819/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2018 
End 07/2022
 
Description Institutional Links IL5
Amount £106,136 (GBP)
Funding ID 332392589 
Organisation British Council 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2018 
End 03/2021
 
Description Novel pre-breeding germplasm for commercial development of sustainable traits in crops
Amount £201,596 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/V01725X/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 05/2021 
End 04/2022
 
Description Population dynamics of Pyrenopeziza brassicae under Irish field conditions
Amount € 92,000 (EUR)
Organisation Walsh Fellowship Foundation 
Sector Academic/University
Country Ireland
Start 01/2019 
End 12/2022
 
Description Research Excellence Framework
Amount £1,077,000 (GBP)
Organisation United Kingdom Research and Innovation 
Department Research England
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2022 
End 07/2025
 
Description Developing adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on diseases of wheat and maize and food production in Egypt. 
Organisation Agricultural Research Centre
Country Egypt 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution The UK team consists of six participants. The PI will oversee the project supervision and management. Another team member oversees the modelling tasks and statistical analysis. Another supports him for the interpretation and model documentation and tutorials as well as data sharing. All researchers will be involved in discussions for mitigation strategies and in the writing of scientific papers. A research office member will help with the UK administrative part of the project.
Collaborator Contribution The Mansoura University will coordinate and manage the Egyptian part of the project. They will help with the data collection and be an active partner in the different virtual meetings during the project. They will also be part of the results dissemination in the Delta area and in the redaction of scientific papers and local recommendations. The President of ARC, will supervise the tasks provided by the different institutes and researchers of ARC involved in the project. The Plant Pathologists of ARC have maintained long-term time series of important crop diseases in Egypt. They provide historical disease data (occurrence/severity, cultivar, governorate as well as yield data on treated and untreated crops) with corresponding weather data and support for the disease model development and validation. Other ARC scientist provide long-term time-series records of wheat and maize crop growth and management data (site latitude and longitude, soil property, crop development, sowing and harvest dates, irrigation, yield) with corresponding weather data for yield model development/calibration. Others from the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate provide weather data.
Impact Shabana YM, Ghoneem KM, Rashad YM, Arafat NS, Fitt BDL, Richard B, Qi A (2022). Distribution and biodiversity of seed-borne pathogenic and toxigenic fungi of maize in Egypt and their correlations with weather variables. Plants 11, 2347 (https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11182347). Shabana YM, Rashad YM, Ghoneem KM, Arafat NS, Aseel DG, Qi A, Richard B, Fitt BDL (2021). Biodiversity of pathogenic and toxigenic seed-borne mycoflora of wheat in Egypt and their correlations with weather variables. Biology 10, 1025. (https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10101025) Presentation of results Shabana, Y.M., Richard, B., Qi, A., Elkot, A.F., El Orabey, W.M., Elnagar, D.R., Saleh, S.M., Rashad, Y.M., Ghoneem, K.M., Arafat, N.S., Hamwieh, A., Fitt, B.D.L. 2022. Wheat yellow rust epidemics and climate change in Egypt. 2022 North Central Division of the American Phytopathological Society Meeting, 21-23 June 2022, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA Shabana, Y.M., Richard, B., Qi, A., Elkot, A.F., El Orabey, W.M., Elnagar, D.R., Saleh, S.M., Rashad, Y.M., Ghoneem, K.M., Arafat, N.S., Hamwieh, A., Fitt, B.D.L. 2022. Effects of climate change on outbreaks of wheat stripe rust in Egypt. The Ninth International Conference - Climate Change and Sustainable Development Challenges, 6-10 October 2022, Marsa Alam, Egypt. Shabana, Y.M., Richard, B., Qi, A., Elkot, A.F., El Orabey, W.M., Elnagar, D.R., Saleh, S.M., Rashad, Y.M., Ghoneem, K.M., Arafat, N.S., Hamwieh, A., Fitt, B.D.L. 2022. Impact of climate change on wheat yellow rust epidemics in Egypt. Hybrid Webinar on Climate Change and Dryland Resilience, 3-4 Sept 2022, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Collaboration multidisciplinary involving biologists (plant pathologists) and mathematicians (modellers)
Start Year 2021
 
Description Developing adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on diseases of wheat and maize and food production in Egypt. 
Organisation British Council
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution The UK team consists of six participants. The PI will oversee the project supervision and management. Another team member oversees the modelling tasks and statistical analysis. Another supports him for the interpretation and model documentation and tutorials as well as data sharing. All researchers will be involved in discussions for mitigation strategies and in the writing of scientific papers. A research office member will help with the UK administrative part of the project.
Collaborator Contribution The Mansoura University will coordinate and manage the Egyptian part of the project. They will help with the data collection and be an active partner in the different virtual meetings during the project. They will also be part of the results dissemination in the Delta area and in the redaction of scientific papers and local recommendations. The President of ARC, will supervise the tasks provided by the different institutes and researchers of ARC involved in the project. The Plant Pathologists of ARC have maintained long-term time series of important crop diseases in Egypt. They provide historical disease data (occurrence/severity, cultivar, governorate as well as yield data on treated and untreated crops) with corresponding weather data and support for the disease model development and validation. Other ARC scientist provide long-term time-series records of wheat and maize crop growth and management data (site latitude and longitude, soil property, crop development, sowing and harvest dates, irrigation, yield) with corresponding weather data for yield model development/calibration. Others from the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate provide weather data.
Impact Shabana YM, Ghoneem KM, Rashad YM, Arafat NS, Fitt BDL, Richard B, Qi A (2022). Distribution and biodiversity of seed-borne pathogenic and toxigenic fungi of maize in Egypt and their correlations with weather variables. Plants 11, 2347 (https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11182347). Shabana YM, Rashad YM, Ghoneem KM, Arafat NS, Aseel DG, Qi A, Richard B, Fitt BDL (2021). Biodiversity of pathogenic and toxigenic seed-borne mycoflora of wheat in Egypt and their correlations with weather variables. Biology 10, 1025. (https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10101025) Presentation of results Shabana, Y.M., Richard, B., Qi, A., Elkot, A.F., El Orabey, W.M., Elnagar, D.R., Saleh, S.M., Rashad, Y.M., Ghoneem, K.M., Arafat, N.S., Hamwieh, A., Fitt, B.D.L. 2022. Wheat yellow rust epidemics and climate change in Egypt. 2022 North Central Division of the American Phytopathological Society Meeting, 21-23 June 2022, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA Shabana, Y.M., Richard, B., Qi, A., Elkot, A.F., El Orabey, W.M., Elnagar, D.R., Saleh, S.M., Rashad, Y.M., Ghoneem, K.M., Arafat, N.S., Hamwieh, A., Fitt, B.D.L. 2022. Effects of climate change on outbreaks of wheat stripe rust in Egypt. The Ninth International Conference - Climate Change and Sustainable Development Challenges, 6-10 October 2022, Marsa Alam, Egypt. Shabana, Y.M., Richard, B., Qi, A., Elkot, A.F., El Orabey, W.M., Elnagar, D.R., Saleh, S.M., Rashad, Y.M., Ghoneem, K.M., Arafat, N.S., Hamwieh, A., Fitt, B.D.L. 2022. Impact of climate change on wheat yellow rust epidemics in Egypt. Hybrid Webinar on Climate Change and Dryland Resilience, 3-4 Sept 2022, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Collaboration multidisciplinary involving biologists (plant pathologists) and mathematicians (modellers)
Start Year 2021
 
Description Developing adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on diseases of wheat and maize and food production in Egypt. 
Organisation International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas
Country Syrian Arab Republic 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution The UK team consists of six participants. The PI will oversee the project supervision and management. Another team member oversees the modelling tasks and statistical analysis. Another supports him for the interpretation and model documentation and tutorials as well as data sharing. All researchers will be involved in discussions for mitigation strategies and in the writing of scientific papers. A research office member will help with the UK administrative part of the project.
Collaborator Contribution The Mansoura University will coordinate and manage the Egyptian part of the project. They will help with the data collection and be an active partner in the different virtual meetings during the project. They will also be part of the results dissemination in the Delta area and in the redaction of scientific papers and local recommendations. The President of ARC, will supervise the tasks provided by the different institutes and researchers of ARC involved in the project. The Plant Pathologists of ARC have maintained long-term time series of important crop diseases in Egypt. They provide historical disease data (occurrence/severity, cultivar, governorate as well as yield data on treated and untreated crops) with corresponding weather data and support for the disease model development and validation. Other ARC scientist provide long-term time-series records of wheat and maize crop growth and management data (site latitude and longitude, soil property, crop development, sowing and harvest dates, irrigation, yield) with corresponding weather data for yield model development/calibration. Others from the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate provide weather data.
Impact Shabana YM, Ghoneem KM, Rashad YM, Arafat NS, Fitt BDL, Richard B, Qi A (2022). Distribution and biodiversity of seed-borne pathogenic and toxigenic fungi of maize in Egypt and their correlations with weather variables. Plants 11, 2347 (https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11182347). Shabana YM, Rashad YM, Ghoneem KM, Arafat NS, Aseel DG, Qi A, Richard B, Fitt BDL (2021). Biodiversity of pathogenic and toxigenic seed-borne mycoflora of wheat in Egypt and their correlations with weather variables. Biology 10, 1025. (https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10101025) Presentation of results Shabana, Y.M., Richard, B., Qi, A., Elkot, A.F., El Orabey, W.M., Elnagar, D.R., Saleh, S.M., Rashad, Y.M., Ghoneem, K.M., Arafat, N.S., Hamwieh, A., Fitt, B.D.L. 2022. Wheat yellow rust epidemics and climate change in Egypt. 2022 North Central Division of the American Phytopathological Society Meeting, 21-23 June 2022, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA Shabana, Y.M., Richard, B., Qi, A., Elkot, A.F., El Orabey, W.M., Elnagar, D.R., Saleh, S.M., Rashad, Y.M., Ghoneem, K.M., Arafat, N.S., Hamwieh, A., Fitt, B.D.L. 2022. Effects of climate change on outbreaks of wheat stripe rust in Egypt. The Ninth International Conference - Climate Change and Sustainable Development Challenges, 6-10 October 2022, Marsa Alam, Egypt. Shabana, Y.M., Richard, B., Qi, A., Elkot, A.F., El Orabey, W.M., Elnagar, D.R., Saleh, S.M., Rashad, Y.M., Ghoneem, K.M., Arafat, N.S., Hamwieh, A., Fitt, B.D.L. 2022. Impact of climate change on wheat yellow rust epidemics in Egypt. Hybrid Webinar on Climate Change and Dryland Resilience, 3-4 Sept 2022, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Collaboration multidisciplinary involving biologists (plant pathologists) and mathematicians (modellers)
Start Year 2021
 
Description Developing adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on diseases of wheat and maize and food production in Egypt. 
Organisation Mansoura University
Country Egypt 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The UK team consists of six participants. The PI will oversee the project supervision and management. Another team member oversees the modelling tasks and statistical analysis. Another supports him for the interpretation and model documentation and tutorials as well as data sharing. All researchers will be involved in discussions for mitigation strategies and in the writing of scientific papers. A research office member will help with the UK administrative part of the project.
Collaborator Contribution The Mansoura University will coordinate and manage the Egyptian part of the project. They will help with the data collection and be an active partner in the different virtual meetings during the project. They will also be part of the results dissemination in the Delta area and in the redaction of scientific papers and local recommendations. The President of ARC, will supervise the tasks provided by the different institutes and researchers of ARC involved in the project. The Plant Pathologists of ARC have maintained long-term time series of important crop diseases in Egypt. They provide historical disease data (occurrence/severity, cultivar, governorate as well as yield data on treated and untreated crops) with corresponding weather data and support for the disease model development and validation. Other ARC scientist provide long-term time-series records of wheat and maize crop growth and management data (site latitude and longitude, soil property, crop development, sowing and harvest dates, irrigation, yield) with corresponding weather data for yield model development/calibration. Others from the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate provide weather data.
Impact Shabana YM, Ghoneem KM, Rashad YM, Arafat NS, Fitt BDL, Richard B, Qi A (2022). Distribution and biodiversity of seed-borne pathogenic and toxigenic fungi of maize in Egypt and their correlations with weather variables. Plants 11, 2347 (https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11182347). Shabana YM, Rashad YM, Ghoneem KM, Arafat NS, Aseel DG, Qi A, Richard B, Fitt BDL (2021). Biodiversity of pathogenic and toxigenic seed-borne mycoflora of wheat in Egypt and their correlations with weather variables. Biology 10, 1025. (https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10101025) Presentation of results Shabana, Y.M., Richard, B., Qi, A., Elkot, A.F., El Orabey, W.M., Elnagar, D.R., Saleh, S.M., Rashad, Y.M., Ghoneem, K.M., Arafat, N.S., Hamwieh, A., Fitt, B.D.L. 2022. Wheat yellow rust epidemics and climate change in Egypt. 2022 North Central Division of the American Phytopathological Society Meeting, 21-23 June 2022, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA Shabana, Y.M., Richard, B., Qi, A., Elkot, A.F., El Orabey, W.M., Elnagar, D.R., Saleh, S.M., Rashad, Y.M., Ghoneem, K.M., Arafat, N.S., Hamwieh, A., Fitt, B.D.L. 2022. Effects of climate change on outbreaks of wheat stripe rust in Egypt. The Ninth International Conference - Climate Change and Sustainable Development Challenges, 6-10 October 2022, Marsa Alam, Egypt. Shabana, Y.M., Richard, B., Qi, A., Elkot, A.F., El Orabey, W.M., Elnagar, D.R., Saleh, S.M., Rashad, Y.M., Ghoneem, K.M., Arafat, N.S., Hamwieh, A., Fitt, B.D.L. 2022. Impact of climate change on wheat yellow rust epidemics in Egypt. Hybrid Webinar on Climate Change and Dryland Resilience, 3-4 Sept 2022, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Collaboration multidisciplinary involving biologists (plant pathologists) and mathematicians (modellers)
Start Year 2021
 
Description Developing adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on diseases of wheat and maize and food production in Egypt. 
Organisation Mansoura University
Country Egypt 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Our research team will be responsible for modelling climate change impacts and analysis of data provided by Egyptian partners
Collaborator Contribution Egyptian partners will be responsible for experimental work and for dissemination of recommendations to Egyptian government and industry.
Impact Multidisciplinary, including statisticians/modellers and plant pathologists/agronomists etc
Start Year 2018
 
Description Discovery of the genetic basis of partial resistance against Pyrenopeziza brassicae in oilseed rape (Brassica napus) 
Organisation Rothamsted Research
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Our research team has provided the Principal supervisor and second supervisors for this PhD project. The work is mostly done at the University of Hertfordshire.
Collaborator Contribution Rothamsted Research (Dr Fred Beaudoin) has provided advice and facilities for parts of this project.
Impact The student (Ajisa Ali) has presented the work at UK national (e.g. British Society for Plant Pathology) and international (e.g. Brassica meeting, St Malo, France, July 2018) conferences
Start Year 2018
 
Description Genetic Control of Lemna growth rate and protein content 
Organisation DryGro
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Our team is providing the Principal Supervisor and Second Supervisor for this Hertfordshire Knowledge Exchange PhD project. The student will spend the first year with the industry partner, based at their field site in Kenya, Africa, then return to the University for the following three years.
Collaborator Contribution The partners will supervise the work of the student in the first year and attend regular meetings to assess progress throughout the project
Impact The project has just started
Start Year 2020
 
Description INVESTIGATING MYCOVIRUS-MEDIATED SYSTEMIC RESISTANCE IN OILSEED RAPE 
Organisation University of Hertfordshire
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Oilseed rape, Brassica napus is attacked by many fungal diseases globally, especially light leaf spot (caused by Pyrenopeziza brassicae) and phoma stem canker (caused by Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa). Previously a quadrivirus (LbQV-1) was characterised that infects L. biglobosa, which then interferes with L. maculans pathogenicity. We are screening and characterising viruses in three fungal pathogens L. maculans, L. biglobosa and P. brassicae and quantifying how the host (oilseed rape) recognises and responds to each fungus. Virus-infected and virus-free isogenic lines of the Chinese L. biglobosa isolate (W10) have been revived to do challenge assays in planta. Endemic isogenic lines have also been produced. RT-PCR conditions were optimised, and LbQV-1 specific primers used to confirm virus presence by dsRNA isolation. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underpinning the observed phenotypes, samples were collected from different parts of challenge inoculated plants (i.e. stem, leaf, root, petiole etc.) and compared in terms of gene regulation using next-generation sequencing and quantitative PCR. Field isolates across Europe were collected and, to date, 48 L. maculans, 63 P. brassicae and 19 L. biglobosa isolates have been screened. Seven L. biglobosa isolates have been confirmed to contain LbQV-1, and one isolate from Canada with novel bands of viral dsRNA. Nine samples of British L. maculans have tested positive to the first incidence of a very large dsRNA strand, yet to be sequenced. None of the P. brassicae isolates from six countries across northern Europe appeared to be virus infected.
Collaborator Contribution University of Hertfordshire provides funding for the project and supervision of the student doing the practical work.
Impact Presentation at International Congress of Plant Pathology, Lyon, France, August 2023. INVESTIGATING MYCOVIRUS-MEDIATED SYSTEMIC RESISTANCE IN OILSEED RAPE. Locke-Gotel J, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ, Kotta-Loizou I and Coutts R Collaboration multidisciplinary, involving plant pathologists and virologists
Start Year 2021
 
Description Integrated control of Leptosphaeria pathogens on UK oilseed rape 
Organisation DuPont
Department DuPont (UK) Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved in field trials and consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, Cai X, Karandeni-Dewage CS, Gajula LH, Javaid A, Li GQ, Fitt BDL (2016). Understanding phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa in the UK and China. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 43. Javaid A, Gajula H, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2017) Investigating the risk of severe phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa on winter oilseed rape in UK. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 53-57.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Integrated control of Leptosphaeria pathogens on UK oilseed rape 
Organisation Grove Farm, UK
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved in field trials and consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, Cai X, Karandeni-Dewage CS, Gajula LH, Javaid A, Li GQ, Fitt BDL (2016). Understanding phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa in the UK and China. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 43. Javaid A, Gajula H, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2017) Investigating the risk of severe phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa on winter oilseed rape in UK. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 53-57.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Integrated control of Leptosphaeria pathogens on UK oilseed rape 
Organisation Hutchinson H L Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved in field trials and consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, Cai X, Karandeni-Dewage CS, Gajula LH, Javaid A, Li GQ, Fitt BDL (2016). Understanding phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa in the UK and China. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 43. Javaid A, Gajula H, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2017) Investigating the risk of severe phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa on winter oilseed rape in UK. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 53-57.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Integrated control of Leptosphaeria pathogens on UK oilseed rape 
Organisation Syntec Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved in field trials and consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, Cai X, Karandeni-Dewage CS, Gajula LH, Javaid A, Li GQ, Fitt BDL (2016). Understanding phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa in the UK and China. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 43. Javaid A, Gajula H, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2017) Investigating the risk of severe phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa on winter oilseed rape in UK. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 53-57.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Integrated control of Leptosphaeria pathogens on UK oilseed rape 
Organisation Weston Park Farm
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved in field trials and consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, Cai X, Karandeni-Dewage CS, Gajula LH, Javaid A, Li GQ, Fitt BDL (2016). Understanding phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa in the UK and China. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 43. Javaid A, Gajula H, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2017) Investigating the risk of severe phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa on winter oilseed rape in UK. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 53-57.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Novel pre-breeding germplasm for commercial development of sustainable traits in crops 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution The UH team used methods developed in the ERA_CAPs project for reliable screening for resistance which showed wide variation in resistance to the light leaf spot pathogen in a diversity set of Brassica napus cultivars. A total of 195 accessions were tested for resistance against a local population of Pyrenopeziza brassicae. Plants were grown in the glasshouse. Seedlings were spray inoculated with a P. brassicae spore suspension and covered with transparent plastic sheets for incubation at high humidity for 48 hours. The percentage leaf area of sporulation was determined three weeks after inoculation and after another 10 days of incubation at 4C in sealed plastic bags.
Collaborator Contribution The John Innes Centre team used associative transcriptomics with the UH phenotype data to identify gene expression markers (GEMs) with expression levels linked to the trait, i.e. quantitative resistance against P. brassicae. Eight GEMs were identified. KWS used these results in their oilseed rape breeding programme.
Impact Fell H, Ali AM, Wells R, Mitrousia GK, Woolfenden H, Schoonbeek HJ, Fitt BDL, Ridout CJ, Stotz HU (2023). Novel gene loci associated with susceptibility or cryptic quantitative resistance to Pyrenopeziza brassicae in Brassica napus. Theoretical and Applied Genetics (In Press) Collaboration multi-disciplinary involving plant pathologists and geneticists
Start Year 2021
 
Description Novel pre-breeding germplasm for commercial development of sustainable traits in crops 
Organisation John Innes Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The UH team used methods developed in the ERA_CAPs project for reliable screening for resistance which showed wide variation in resistance to the light leaf spot pathogen in a diversity set of Brassica napus cultivars. A total of 195 accessions were tested for resistance against a local population of Pyrenopeziza brassicae. Plants were grown in the glasshouse. Seedlings were spray inoculated with a P. brassicae spore suspension and covered with transparent plastic sheets for incubation at high humidity for 48 hours. The percentage leaf area of sporulation was determined three weeks after inoculation and after another 10 days of incubation at 4C in sealed plastic bags.
Collaborator Contribution The John Innes Centre team used associative transcriptomics with the UH phenotype data to identify gene expression markers (GEMs) with expression levels linked to the trait, i.e. quantitative resistance against P. brassicae. Eight GEMs were identified. KWS used these results in their oilseed rape breeding programme.
Impact Fell H, Ali AM, Wells R, Mitrousia GK, Woolfenden H, Schoonbeek HJ, Fitt BDL, Ridout CJ, Stotz HU (2023). Novel gene loci associated with susceptibility or cryptic quantitative resistance to Pyrenopeziza brassicae in Brassica napus. Theoretical and Applied Genetics (In Press) Collaboration multi-disciplinary involving plant pathologists and geneticists
Start Year 2021
 
Description Novel pre-breeding germplasm for commercial development of sustainable traits in crops 
Organisation KWS Group
Country Germany 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The UH team used methods developed in the ERA_CAPs project for reliable screening for resistance which showed wide variation in resistance to the light leaf spot pathogen in a diversity set of Brassica napus cultivars. A total of 195 accessions were tested for resistance against a local population of Pyrenopeziza brassicae. Plants were grown in the glasshouse. Seedlings were spray inoculated with a P. brassicae spore suspension and covered with transparent plastic sheets for incubation at high humidity for 48 hours. The percentage leaf area of sporulation was determined three weeks after inoculation and after another 10 days of incubation at 4C in sealed plastic bags.
Collaborator Contribution The John Innes Centre team used associative transcriptomics with the UH phenotype data to identify gene expression markers (GEMs) with expression levels linked to the trait, i.e. quantitative resistance against P. brassicae. Eight GEMs were identified. KWS used these results in their oilseed rape breeding programme.
Impact Fell H, Ali AM, Wells R, Mitrousia GK, Woolfenden H, Schoonbeek HJ, Fitt BDL, Ridout CJ, Stotz HU (2023). Novel gene loci associated with susceptibility or cryptic quantitative resistance to Pyrenopeziza brassicae in Brassica napus. Theoretical and Applied Genetics (In Press) Collaboration multi-disciplinary involving plant pathologists and geneticists
Start Year 2021
 
Description Population dynamics of Pyrenopeziza brassicae under Irish field conditions 
Organisation Teagasc
Country Ireland 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Our University has provided the Principal and second supervisors for this Walsh PhD project (student Diana Bucur). She is doing the research at the Teagasc Oak Park Research Centre at Carlow, Ireland but registered for a PhD at the University of Hertfordshire.
Collaborator Contribution The funding for the project comes from the Walsh Foundation at Teagasc. The day-to-day supervision of the work is provided by Dr Stephen Kildea, a scientist based at Teagasc; they also provide the facilities and consumables for doing the work.
Impact Diana Bucur has presented results from the project at local and international scientific conferences.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Understanding host resistance to improve control of light leaf spot on winter oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation Perry Foundation
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution The research team at the University of Hertfordshire is leading this research programme. the practical work is led by a PhD student, appointed for 4 years from Jan 2020, with supervision provided by members of staff in the Crop Protection and Climate Change group. All the laboratory work and experimental work in controlled plant growth facilities is done at the University of Hertfordshire, either on the College Lane or Bayfordbury campuses.
Collaborator Contribution The student spent the first year of this 4-year PhD project working with RSK ADAS. Most of this work was done from home due to pandemic restrictions. Subsequently, RSK ADAS have been involved in running field experiments for the students. Both RSK ADAS and Perry Foundation attend regular project meetings and HKEP are also represented at these meetings.
Impact This collaboration is resulting in presentations at research conferences, for example the International Congress of Plant Pathology, to be held at Lyon, France in August 2023. Offered presentation: 'Understanding Pyrenopeziza brassicae populations for effective control of light leaf spot in winter oilseed rape' by Sapelli, Karandeni Dewage, Ritchie, Fitt & Huang. Collaboration multidisciplinary, involving plant pathologists and geneticists
Start Year 2020
 
Description Understanding host resistance to improve control of light leaf spot on winter oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation RSK ADAS Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The research team at the University of Hertfordshire is leading this research programme. the practical work is led by a PhD student, appointed for 4 years from Jan 2020, with supervision provided by members of staff in the Crop Protection and Climate Change group. All the laboratory work and experimental work in controlled plant growth facilities is done at the University of Hertfordshire, either on the College Lane or Bayfordbury campuses.
Collaborator Contribution The student spent the first year of this 4-year PhD project working with RSK ADAS. Most of this work was done from home due to pandemic restrictions. Subsequently, RSK ADAS have been involved in running field experiments for the students. Both RSK ADAS and Perry Foundation attend regular project meetings and HKEP are also represented at these meetings.
Impact This collaboration is resulting in presentations at research conferences, for example the International Congress of Plant Pathology, to be held at Lyon, France in August 2023. Offered presentation: 'Understanding Pyrenopeziza brassicae populations for effective control of light leaf spot in winter oilseed rape' by Sapelli, Karandeni Dewage, Ritchie, Fitt & Huang. Collaboration multidisciplinary, involving plant pathologists and geneticists
Start Year 2020
 
Description Understanding host resistance to improve control of light leaf spot on winter oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation RSK ADAS Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Our team is providing the Principle and second supervisors for this Hertfordshire Knowledge Exchange Partnership PhD project (student Laura Sapelli). The student will spend one year based at ADAS Boxworth before returning to the University to complete the PhD project.
Collaborator Contribution RSK ADAS (industry supervisor Dr Faye Ritchie) is supervising the first year of the project and will continue to attend regular project meetings throughout the project. The Perry Foundation is providing funding (£40000) and will attend meetings annually.
Impact No outputs yet
Start Year 2020
 
Description Understanding interactions between Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa for improving control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation Felix Cobbold Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is an economically damaging disease of oilseed rape, caused by two co-existing pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa. L. maculans produces a phytotoxin called sirodesmin PL. Our work showed that L. biglobosa has an antagonistic effect on the production of sirodesmin PL if simultaneously co-inoculated. To further investigate the effects of sequential co-inoculation on interactions between the two pathogens in terms of sirodesmin PL production, clarified V8 broths were inoculated with L. maculans first, then L. biglobosa sequentially with 1, 3, 5, 7 days in-between, and vice versa. Controls were L. maculans only, L. biglobosa only and L. maculans & L. biglobosa co-inoculated simultaneously. Secondary metabolites were extracted from culture filtrates at 14 days post inoculation and analysed with HPLC. Mycelia were freeze-dried, weighed, and homogenised for DNA extraction and qPCR. There were no significant differences in mycelial weight between treatments. Both sirodesmin PL and its precursors were not produced if L. biglobosa was inoculated before L. maculans; this was due to L. biglobosa inhibiting the growth of L. maculans, confirmed by qPCR. However, the antagonistic effect of L. biglobosa was lost if it was co-inoculated 5 days after L. maculans.
Collaborator Contribution ADAS provides opportunities for field experiments to support work done in controlled or laboratory conditions. ADAS partners attend regular project meetings, as do other partners
Impact Fortune JA, Bingol E, Qi A, Baker D, Ritchie F, Karandeni Dewage CS, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2022). Leptosphaeria biglobosa inhibits production of the sirodesmin PL by L. maculans. Pest Management Science (in press; DOI 10.1002/ps.7275). Multidiciplinary; Biologists (Plant Pathologists) and chemists
Start Year 2021
 
Description Understanding interactions between Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa for improving control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation Perry Foundation
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is an economically damaging disease of oilseed rape, caused by two co-existing pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa. L. maculans produces a phytotoxin called sirodesmin PL. Our work showed that L. biglobosa has an antagonistic effect on the production of sirodesmin PL if simultaneously co-inoculated. To further investigate the effects of sequential co-inoculation on interactions between the two pathogens in terms of sirodesmin PL production, clarified V8 broths were inoculated with L. maculans first, then L. biglobosa sequentially with 1, 3, 5, 7 days in-between, and vice versa. Controls were L. maculans only, L. biglobosa only and L. maculans & L. biglobosa co-inoculated simultaneously. Secondary metabolites were extracted from culture filtrates at 14 days post inoculation and analysed with HPLC. Mycelia were freeze-dried, weighed, and homogenised for DNA extraction and qPCR. There were no significant differences in mycelial weight between treatments. Both sirodesmin PL and its precursors were not produced if L. biglobosa was inoculated before L. maculans; this was due to L. biglobosa inhibiting the growth of L. maculans, confirmed by qPCR. However, the antagonistic effect of L. biglobosa was lost if it was co-inoculated 5 days after L. maculans.
Collaborator Contribution ADAS provides opportunities for field experiments to support work done in controlled or laboratory conditions. ADAS partners attend regular project meetings, as do other partners
Impact Fortune JA, Bingol E, Qi A, Baker D, Ritchie F, Karandeni Dewage CS, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2022). Leptosphaeria biglobosa inhibits production of the sirodesmin PL by L. maculans. Pest Management Science (in press; DOI 10.1002/ps.7275). Multidiciplinary; Biologists (Plant Pathologists) and chemists
Start Year 2021
 
Description Understanding interactions between Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa for improving control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation RSK ADAS Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is an economically damaging disease of oilseed rape, caused by two co-existing pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa. L. maculans produces a phytotoxin called sirodesmin PL. Our work showed that L. biglobosa has an antagonistic effect on the production of sirodesmin PL if simultaneously co-inoculated. To further investigate the effects of sequential co-inoculation on interactions between the two pathogens in terms of sirodesmin PL production, clarified V8 broths were inoculated with L. maculans first, then L. biglobosa sequentially with 1, 3, 5, 7 days in-between, and vice versa. Controls were L. maculans only, L. biglobosa only and L. maculans & L. biglobosa co-inoculated simultaneously. Secondary metabolites were extracted from culture filtrates at 14 days post inoculation and analysed with HPLC. Mycelia were freeze-dried, weighed, and homogenised for DNA extraction and qPCR. There were no significant differences in mycelial weight between treatments. Both sirodesmin PL and its precursors were not produced if L. biglobosa was inoculated before L. maculans; this was due to L. biglobosa inhibiting the growth of L. maculans, confirmed by qPCR. However, the antagonistic effect of L. biglobosa was lost if it was co-inoculated 5 days after L. maculans.
Collaborator Contribution ADAS provides opportunities for field experiments to support work done in controlled or laboratory conditions. ADAS partners attend regular project meetings, as do other partners
Impact Fortune JA, Bingol E, Qi A, Baker D, Ritchie F, Karandeni Dewage CS, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2022). Leptosphaeria biglobosa inhibits production of the sirodesmin PL by L. maculans. Pest Management Science (in press; DOI 10.1002/ps.7275). Multidiciplinary; Biologists (Plant Pathologists) and chemists
Start Year 2021
 
Description Understanding interactions between Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa for improving control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation University of Hertfordshire
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is an economically damaging disease of oilseed rape, caused by two co-existing pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa. L. maculans produces a phytotoxin called sirodesmin PL. Our work showed that L. biglobosa has an antagonistic effect on the production of sirodesmin PL if simultaneously co-inoculated. To further investigate the effects of sequential co-inoculation on interactions between the two pathogens in terms of sirodesmin PL production, clarified V8 broths were inoculated with L. maculans first, then L. biglobosa sequentially with 1, 3, 5, 7 days in-between, and vice versa. Controls were L. maculans only, L. biglobosa only and L. maculans & L. biglobosa co-inoculated simultaneously. Secondary metabolites were extracted from culture filtrates at 14 days post inoculation and analysed with HPLC. Mycelia were freeze-dried, weighed, and homogenised for DNA extraction and qPCR. There were no significant differences in mycelial weight between treatments. Both sirodesmin PL and its precursors were not produced if L. biglobosa was inoculated before L. maculans; this was due to L. biglobosa inhibiting the growth of L. maculans, confirmed by qPCR. However, the antagonistic effect of L. biglobosa was lost if it was co-inoculated 5 days after L. maculans.
Collaborator Contribution ADAS provides opportunities for field experiments to support work done in controlled or laboratory conditions. ADAS partners attend regular project meetings, as do other partners
Impact Fortune JA, Bingol E, Qi A, Baker D, Ritchie F, Karandeni Dewage CS, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2022). Leptosphaeria biglobosa inhibits production of the sirodesmin PL by L. maculans. Pest Management Science (in press; DOI 10.1002/ps.7275). Multidiciplinary; Biologists (Plant Pathologists) and chemists
Start Year 2021
 
Description Understanding interactions between fungal pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) and Pyrenopeziza brassicae (light leaf spot) on Brassica napus (oilseed rape) 
Organisation Chadacre Agricultural Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Our research team has provided the Principal Supervisor and Second Supervisors for this Hertfordshire Knowledge Exchange PhD project . The student (James Fortune) has spent the first year based with ADAS at Boxworth and is now spending the remaining three years doing his PhD at the University of Hertfordshire.
Collaborator Contribution The industry partner RSK ADAS supervised the work done by the student (supervisor Dr Faye Ritchie) and regularly attend project meetings to assess progress of the project. The two agricultural charities have provided funding for the project and attend meetings from time to time.
Impact The student James Fortune has presented work done in this project at several scientific conferences, both in the UK (eg British Society of Plant Pathology conference, Sept 2019) and overseas (International Society of PLant Pathology Congress, Boston, USA, July 2018). His work is also featuring in a book to be published to celebrate the centenary of the Chadacre Agricultural Trust.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Understanding interactions between fungal pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) and Pyrenopeziza brassicae (light leaf spot) on Brassica napus (oilseed rape) 
Organisation Felix Cobbold Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Our research team has provided the Principal Supervisor and Second Supervisors for this Hertfordshire Knowledge Exchange PhD project . The student (James Fortune) has spent the first year based with ADAS at Boxworth and is now spending the remaining three years doing his PhD at the University of Hertfordshire.
Collaborator Contribution The industry partner RSK ADAS supervised the work done by the student (supervisor Dr Faye Ritchie) and regularly attend project meetings to assess progress of the project. The two agricultural charities have provided funding for the project and attend meetings from time to time.
Impact The student James Fortune has presented work done in this project at several scientific conferences, both in the UK (eg British Society of Plant Pathology conference, Sept 2019) and overseas (International Society of PLant Pathology Congress, Boston, USA, July 2018). His work is also featuring in a book to be published to celebrate the centenary of the Chadacre Agricultural Trust.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Understanding interactions between fungal pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) and Pyrenopeziza brassicae (light leaf spot) on Brassica napus (oilseed rape) 
Organisation RSK ADAS Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Our research team has provided the Principal Supervisor and Second Supervisors for this Hertfordshire Knowledge Exchange PhD project . The student (James Fortune) has spent the first year based with ADAS at Boxworth and is now spending the remaining three years doing his PhD at the University of Hertfordshire.
Collaborator Contribution The industry partner RSK ADAS supervised the work done by the student (supervisor Dr Faye Ritchie) and regularly attend project meetings to assess progress of the project. The two agricultural charities have provided funding for the project and attend meetings from time to time.
Impact The student James Fortune has presented work done in this project at several scientific conferences, both in the UK (eg British Society of Plant Pathology conference, Sept 2019) and overseas (International Society of PLant Pathology Congress, Boston, USA, July 2018). His work is also featuring in a book to be published to celebrate the centenary of the Chadacre Agricultural Trust.
Start Year 2017
 
Description Understanding the impact of low temperature on seed germination in maize 
Organisation Plant Impact
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Our research team provides the Principal Supervisor and Second Supervisor for this Hertfordshire Knowledge Exchange PhD studentship. The student (Macarena Mellado Sanchez) has been spending the first year of the PhD project with the industry partner (Plant Impact) and will spend the remaining three years at the University.
Collaborator Contribution The partner provides an industry PhD supervisor (Matt Audley) and supervises the experimental work for the first year of the project. They contribute to regular project meetings to assess progress.
Impact The student presented a paper at an international conference in Spain.
Start Year 2019
 
Description Agri-Tech East REAP Conference Today's knowledge meets tomorrow's technology, 7 Nov 2017 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Attendance at Agri-Tech East conference where one of our students gave an invited presentation
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Attendance at AFCP (Agri-Food Charities Partnership) meetings 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Hosted AFCP meeting at University of Hertfordshire, 16 June 2021. Hybrid meeting, c. 25 attendees in person; c. 100 attendees virtually. Management of diseases and pests of oilseed rape.

Attended AFCP student forum, Cranfield University, 30 March 2022. c. 100 attendees in person.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021,2022
URL https://www.afcp.org.uk/
 
Description Attendance at workshop, New Crop Protection for Sustainable Farming, 22 Nov 2022, Rothamsted Research 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Series of talks and discussions about funding for crop protection research from UK government initiatives
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Brassica 2018, Crucifer Genetics Workshop, St Malo, France 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact International workshop to discuss Brassica genetics; presented talks and posters
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, Bristol, Sept 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The BSPP presidential meeting was attended by a group of staff/students from the University of Hertfordshire. The event provided an opportunity to present our work as oral presentations and posters. It also gave opportunities to interact with collaborators.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.bspp.org.uk/conferences/arms-race-evolution-of-plant-pathogens-and-their-hosts/
 
Description British Society for Plant Pathology conference, Warwick, Dec 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Attended British Society of Plant Pathology presidential conference, Warwick, with staff and post-graduate students from our group. Posters and oral presentations were made.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description GCIRC 15th International Rapeseed Congress, Berlin, June 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A group of staff/post-graduate students from the University of Hertfordshire attended this Congress and accompanying workshops. Our work was presented as oral presentations and posters. There were opportunities to interact with collaborators from around the world. I was part of the International Organising Committee and am a UK representative on GCIRC Council.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.irc2019-berlin.com/
 
Description Genetic Improvement Network Workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Talk on Oilseed Rape Genetic Improvement Network at Workshop for stakeholders of all GINs, organised by Defra, Feb 22 "016, Norwich
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description International Congress of Plant Pathology, Boston, USA, July/Aug 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact This was an international conference. Attended with other staff and post-grad students from our group. Presented work as posters.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Management of diseases and pests of oilseed rape 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Agri-Food Charities Partnership forum for industry and academics working with oilseed rape. Attendance more than 100, from all over the world, including China, Australia, Canada and several European countries. Held on 16 June 2021 at University of Hertfordshire. Hybrid event with some attending in person and most from all over the world attending virtually. Provided an opportunity for a series of talks and wide-ranging discussion of the research. Book of Proceedings available on AFCP web-site and Amazon.
(https://www.amazon.co.uk/Management-Diseases-Pests-Oilseed-Rape/dp/B09NRBTPRB/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1VHCWPOXQ5FNL&keywords=Management+of+diseases+and+pests+of+oilseed+rape&qid=1645545284&sprefix=management+of+diseases+and+pests+of+oilseed+rape%2Caps%2C49&sr=8-2)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.afcp.org.uk/sites/default/files/Management%20of%20diseases%20and%20pests%20of%20oilseed%...
 
Description OREGIN stakeholders forum, Elsoms, Spalding, Lincs, Nov 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Meeting of Oilseed Rape Genetic Improvement Network stakeholder forum, attended by industry and academic members of OREGIN.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Stand at Cereals 2017, Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Presented research at University of Hertfordshire stand at this event
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Stand at Cereals' 2018, Duxford, Cambs 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Participated in University of Hertfordshire stand at Cereals' 2018, June 13-14 2018. Event attended by 1000s of farmers and other members of the agricultural industry, mostly from the UK but some from overseas
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Stand at Hutchinson's winter farming conference, Kingsgate Conference Centre, Peterborough, 15 Nov 2017 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Manned stand to present our research to farming audience
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Talk at event organised by Felix Cobbold Trust, November 2015 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Talk at event organised by Felix Cobbold Charitable Trust, November 2015
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
 
Description Talk. Arable crop disease control, climate change and food security. 30 Sept 2016; Hawkesbury Institute, University of Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Visit to Hawkesbury Institute to discuss collaboration which is now occurring
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Talk; Arable crop disease control, climate change and food security. 28 Sept 2016; University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Seminar at University of Western Australia which we visited to discuss collaboration
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Talks to U3A science groups in Watford and Hemel Hempstead, Herts, Sept/Oct 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talks about arable crop diseases, climate change and food security to U3A science groups in Watford (60 participants) and Hemel Hempstead (40 participants).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Trustee Director, Perry Foundation (agricultural charity, especially funding PhD studentships in applied agricultural research) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Attendance at charity board meetings (e.g. 30 Nov 2021, 5 Dec 2022), interviews for potential PhD students (e.g. 2 Feb 2022, 26 Jan 2023, at Farmers Club, London), attendance at related meetings (e.g. presentations by students to the industry). Main impact of this to to provide trained personnel for the UK agricultural industry, after completion of PhD (about four each year). Destinations have been plant breeding, agricultural consultancy, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Boiard etc.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2021,2022,2023