BR2CSFB - A toolkit for breeding resistance to adult and larval herbivory by the cabbage stem flea beetle
Lead Research Organisation:
John Innes Centre
Department Name: Crop Genetics
Abstract
Although oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus) has traditionally been grown as the most profitable break crop, a loss of controls for cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB; Psylliodes chrysocephala), has resulted in UK cropping area declining by 35% between 2012 and 2019. The National Farmers Union (NFU) estimate the removal of neonicotinoid seed treatments has cost farmers ~£94 million/year in lost opportunity and crop loss. Additional costs have been absorbed by the UK crushing industry because of the need to import OSR. Collectively, this poses a serious risk to the viability of the UK OSR industry and current farm crop rotation practices.
With the withdrawal of chemical controls, resistant cultivars are central to supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. However, unlike plant-pathogen interactions, our understanding of the interactions between host plants and chewing insects is limited. CSFBs are attracted to glucosinolates, chemicals used by Brassica species to deter non-specialist insect pests. Even if B. napus has defence or resistance mechanisms that deter CSFB feeding, the genetic control of such mechanisms and whether they can be exploited to breed for resistance has remained an open question. There are no known examples of resistance in B. napus and little knowledge of resistance mechanisms within our UK crop species. No resistant cultivars are currently available for any insect pest of OSR.
This proposal builds on preliminary data using controlled feeding studies and field trials, which shows that variation for reduced adult CSFB feeding is present within a diverse panel of B. napus. The panel, comprising historical varieties of winter and spring OSR, Chinese OSR, swede and kale, contains genetic diversity which is unlikely to be present in elite cultivars. This has enabled us to identify loci associated with CSFB feeding damage. Controlled larval infestation studies within this population have also identified variation in the numbers of emerging adult CSFB, demonstrating the presence of resistance to CSFB larvae. Together these observations indicate that some varieties of B. napus carry genes which can 1) deter adult CSFB feeding and 2) confer resistance against larval infestation or reduce larval fecundity. If identified, this variation can be exploited to breed OSR resistant to both damaging stages of CSFB.
This proposal developed by two research institutes (JIC and Rothamsted Research), seven major plant breeders and the OSR growers' Levy board (AHDB), aims to discover loci associated with adult CSFB feeding and larval resistance in B. napus. In parallel, we aim to develop an understanding of crop adaptations which affect OSR-CSFB interactions. This will be coupled with larval development studies, gene expression analysis and metabolite profiling to further elucidate key mechanisms by which Brassica plants identify and defend themselves against beetle attack. Key genes implicated in resistance and defence responses will be investigated using candidate gene studies in model plants, including candidate genes which underlie two loci implicated in the supporting data. Collectively, this knowledge, combined with germplasm and markers that will be used by participating breeders to integrate resistant alleles into commercial breeding pipelines, will facilitate the introduction of tolerant varieties into the UK OSR market.
With the withdrawal of chemical controls, resistant cultivars are central to supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. However, unlike plant-pathogen interactions, our understanding of the interactions between host plants and chewing insects is limited. CSFBs are attracted to glucosinolates, chemicals used by Brassica species to deter non-specialist insect pests. Even if B. napus has defence or resistance mechanisms that deter CSFB feeding, the genetic control of such mechanisms and whether they can be exploited to breed for resistance has remained an open question. There are no known examples of resistance in B. napus and little knowledge of resistance mechanisms within our UK crop species. No resistant cultivars are currently available for any insect pest of OSR.
This proposal builds on preliminary data using controlled feeding studies and field trials, which shows that variation for reduced adult CSFB feeding is present within a diverse panel of B. napus. The panel, comprising historical varieties of winter and spring OSR, Chinese OSR, swede and kale, contains genetic diversity which is unlikely to be present in elite cultivars. This has enabled us to identify loci associated with CSFB feeding damage. Controlled larval infestation studies within this population have also identified variation in the numbers of emerging adult CSFB, demonstrating the presence of resistance to CSFB larvae. Together these observations indicate that some varieties of B. napus carry genes which can 1) deter adult CSFB feeding and 2) confer resistance against larval infestation or reduce larval fecundity. If identified, this variation can be exploited to breed OSR resistant to both damaging stages of CSFB.
This proposal developed by two research institutes (JIC and Rothamsted Research), seven major plant breeders and the OSR growers' Levy board (AHDB), aims to discover loci associated with adult CSFB feeding and larval resistance in B. napus. In parallel, we aim to develop an understanding of crop adaptations which affect OSR-CSFB interactions. This will be coupled with larval development studies, gene expression analysis and metabolite profiling to further elucidate key mechanisms by which Brassica plants identify and defend themselves against beetle attack. Key genes implicated in resistance and defence responses will be investigated using candidate gene studies in model plants, including candidate genes which underlie two loci implicated in the supporting data. Collectively, this knowledge, combined with germplasm and markers that will be used by participating breeders to integrate resistant alleles into commercial breeding pipelines, will facilitate the introduction of tolerant varieties into the UK OSR market.
Technical Summary
Loss of chemical controls for cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB; Psylliodes chrysocephala) and decline in OSR cropping area represent a serious risk to the viability of the UK OSR industry. Integrated pest management strategies offer an alternative to chemical control. Resistant cultivars are central to this approach.
Through controlled feeding studies and field trials we have identified variation for adult CSFB feeding within a DFFS of B. napus. Controlled larval infestation studies have also identified variation in the numbers of emerging adult CSFB. These data indicate that some lines of B. napus carry genes which 1) deter adult CSFB feeding and 2) confer antibiosis resistance against larval infestation. If identified, this variation can be exploited to breed OSR resistant to CSFB.
Here we describe a program to identify the genetic variation underlying these resistance traits and develop our understanding of interactions between plants and chewing beetle pests at adult and larval stages. Using Associative Transcriptomics, we have successfully identified variation at two loci associated with increased adult CSFB palatability which contain genes with known functions in plant defence signalling. This approach will be combined with biparental mapping and genome re-sequencing, to identify further loci associated with reduced adult palatability and larval antibiosis resistance. Using transcriptome time course analysis, larval development studies and metabolomic analysis, we will form an understanding of the underlying response of OSR to CSFB and the resulting effects on insect development, allowing us to begin to unravel the mechanisms underlying the observed CSFB resistance. Key genes implicated in resistance and defence responses will be investigated using candidate gene studies. These data will allow us to develop and test hypotheses which can be exploited in collaboration with our breeding partners for genetic plant protection against this key agricultural pest.
Through controlled feeding studies and field trials we have identified variation for adult CSFB feeding within a DFFS of B. napus. Controlled larval infestation studies have also identified variation in the numbers of emerging adult CSFB. These data indicate that some lines of B. napus carry genes which 1) deter adult CSFB feeding and 2) confer antibiosis resistance against larval infestation. If identified, this variation can be exploited to breed OSR resistant to CSFB.
Here we describe a program to identify the genetic variation underlying these resistance traits and develop our understanding of interactions between plants and chewing beetle pests at adult and larval stages. Using Associative Transcriptomics, we have successfully identified variation at two loci associated with increased adult CSFB palatability which contain genes with known functions in plant defence signalling. This approach will be combined with biparental mapping and genome re-sequencing, to identify further loci associated with reduced adult palatability and larval antibiosis resistance. Using transcriptome time course analysis, larval development studies and metabolomic analysis, we will form an understanding of the underlying response of OSR to CSFB and the resulting effects on insect development, allowing us to begin to unravel the mechanisms underlying the observed CSFB resistance. Key genes implicated in resistance and defence responses will be investigated using candidate gene studies. These data will allow us to develop and test hypotheses which can be exploited in collaboration with our breeding partners for genetic plant protection against this key agricultural pest.
Organisations
- John Innes Centre (Lead Research Organisation)
- LS Plant Breeding (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- RAGT Seeds (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Limagrain (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (Project Partner)
- Bayer CropScience Limited (UK) (Project Partner)
- DSV (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- KWS (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Elsoms (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
| Description | Since the EU-wide ban on neonicotinoid pesticides, the inability to control cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB; Psylloides chrysocephala) has resulted in a 50% decline in oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus) cropping area between 2012 and 2022. This poses a serious risk to the UK oilseed rape market. Within the BR2CSFB project we aim to determine the genetic controls and mechanisms underlying variation in feeding by adult and larval CSFB identified within a diverse collection of B. napus lines. By transferring this knowledge to breeders, we aim to support the development of crops resilient to CSFB, promoting breeding for pest resistance as a component of integrated pest management (IPM). To screen for insect resistance effectively it is necessary to be able to maintain captive colonies to provide insects for research. A major output of the project has been the development of optimised methodology to rear CSFB in-house. Optimisation of protocols for screening adult feeding has allowed higher throughput testing of germplasm. Using this methodology, we have confirmed our initial observations of feeding variation between extreme lines. We have also tested a selected set of commercial germplasm, identifying that feeding variation exists within commercial material and is likely to have been selected in field trialing over the last 10 years. Adult feeding has been monitored for 20 commercial lines in replicated field trials (2 sites (JIC/RRes), 5 reps/site) over 3 years (2021,2022,2023). Data analysis for the final year and across years is underway. All images from adult CSFB screens have been shared with research collaborators at the Turing Institute for the development of fully automated systems for scoring of adult CSFB feeding damage. Previously, it has not been possible to perform large scale screening for larval development/plant resistance due to issues with insect abundance or variability within screens. We have recently optimised our controlled environment larval screening methodologies and a large screen of diverse material is currently underway. Highly replicated control lines show reduced variability across the experiment, suggesting our new protocols are more robust than in previous experiments. Larval evacuation experiments have also been performed over 3 years for the replicated field trials however, challenges due to poor establishment have resulted in the loss/reduction in data from the 22 year at JIC and from 23 at RRes. Trials have been scored by our breeding partners and material has also been assessed for other important commercial characteristics such as establishment, flowering, yield, oil content. Final data will be collected in Autumn 24 at which point full analysis will be performed. Rearing and screening protocols have been transferred to our breeding partners to support the development of insect research within industry. Development of rearing and screening protocols has also allowed us to provide commercial services and testing at JIC. To transfer research and allow utilisation of the model plant, Arabidopsis, for testing, adult feeding assays have been optimised and automated, whilst trials on larval screening assays are underway. This will allow the rapid testing of downstream candidates from the current research and opens the potential for utilising the model plant for CSFB resistance in future research. Previously, we identified two loci associated with adult CSFB feeding in B. napus. Further analysis of our data has identified the size of the regions associated with feeding. We have produced high quality genome sequence for two lines with extreme phenotypes to identify the genes and genetic variation present within these regions. These data have been provided to our breeding partners to support their in-house research. Testing of candidate genes for adult feeding is being performed in Arabidopsis and preliminary results suggest a role for one of our initial candidates in reducing insect feeding. A further gene family member, previously shown to reducing feeding by aphids, has also been implicated in the reduction of feeding by CSFB. Screening of Arabidopsis lines using our optimised protocols and further experiments are underway to confirm these observations. To support further identification of genes involved in the difference between the resistant and susceptible lines, we have created a doubled haploid mapping population. Approximately 200 lines have been produced, with 96 selected for further bulking. Lines are currently being genotyped by RNAseq to allow subsequent QTL and eQTL analysis following controlled adult feeding screening trials and field trialling scheduled for 24/25. The mechanisms underlying the differences in adult feeding between resistant and susceptible lines is unknown, therefore we are utilising a number of approaches to elucidate these processes. Behavioural assays monitoring feeding have shown that the timing of when beetles chose to feed on the individual lines is not significantly different between lines. This is the same for both beetle sexes. In assays female beetles consistently consume larger leaf areas than males and this must be accounted for in screening. However, when the area eaten from the lines is considered over a time course of 2, 4, 8 and 24 hours, differences become apparent as time progresses. This suggests the rate at which beetles feed on the two lines is different, with feeding occurring at a faster rate in the susceptible line. We do not current know the basis for this difference, but this may be due to nutritional value, ease of consumption or deterrence due to defence response. Within the project, work being performed by partners at RRes is underway to screen sugars, waxes, glucosinolates, flavonoids and phenolic metabolites, on the diverse Brassica napus panel previously screened for adult CSFB feeding. This will allow us to determine potential correlations between metabolites and feeding. Currently, sugar data has been passed through the JIC associative transcriptomics pipeline to identify genetic loci associated with these traits. Further analysis is underway. Herbivore challenge and damage causes changes in gene expression, including the activation of defence signalling pathway components, initiating the production of defence compounds. Following the same time course experiment used for the behavioural study, we have looked at changes in gene expression at 2, 4 and 8 hours following treatment either with mechanical damage or beetle feeding. Principle component analysis shows clustering of samples for the three different treatments, suggesting that responses to beetle feeding are distinct to those caused by damage alone. Differential expressed gene (DEG) analysis shows the number of DEGs increases across time exposed to damage and feeding. Genes that are specific to beetle feeding in both lines, so show a shared response between resistant and susceptible lines, can be identified. Interestingly, groups of genes can also be identified that are specific to beetle feeding in either the susceptible or resistant line, so show a genotype specific response to beetle damage. Focussing on genes upregulated in the resistant variety in response to beetle feeding identifies genes associated with defence responses, suggesting potential active defence mechanisms that differ between the two lines. Together, these data and knowledge are helping us identify germplasm showing resistance to adult and larval CSFB and to elucitdate the mechanisms underlying resistance. We are transferring outputs to industry to allow the rapid application and support breeding for resistance to CSFB. |
| Exploitation Route | Outcomes are already being applied by our breeding partners to support breeding for CSFB resistance and the development of entomology research and breeding programs. Development of protocols in the model plant supports the development of fundamental research in this area. Rearing protocols are being used to support further academic and commercial projects. This program also provides a demonstration for the potential to rear and screen for resistance in and to other species. Population and mapping resources will be useful for the study of further traits. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Environment |
| Description | The BR2CSFB project is designed in such a way that data and results generated can feed directly into industry to speed the rate at which outcomes can be taken up and exploited. One key aspect of the project is providing industry with the tools and the resources to support the development of entomological skills within their research and breeding teams. Many companies have dedicated in-house research for the selection of disease resistance, but this does not extend to pest resistance. As chemical withdrawal has more of an impact on pest control and plant productivity it will be essential that breeding for resistance takes place within industry. In turn, this is supporting integrated pest management approaches. BR2CSFB has provided protocols to sustainably rear the insect pest CSFB in controlled conditions, making it possible to produce adults and larvae year-round for screening assays. By providing training at JIC, supported with additional funding from the plant breeding partners, we have transferred these skills to three of our breeding partners. This has resulted in the expansion of business in this area and the recruitment of staff to manage insects and perform screening. Within the project we have developed assays to screen for both adult feeding and larval resistance/development rates within lines. This has not previously been performed at a large scale. This has allowed the breeders to begin developing their own screening programs. The early independent screening performed by BR2CSFB has identified variation does exist within adult feeding on commercial lines providing proof of concept for the potential of research. Currently little is known of the genetics and mechanisms controlling differences in adult CSFB feeding. Genome sequences and germplasm for our resistant and susceptible lines have been transferred to our breeding partners. These have joined the ever-expanding databases of sequence and materials for plant breeding and research and use will extend beyond the project. All RNA sequencing has also been made available to our breeding partner research teams for in-house analysis and exploitation. This allows breeders to gain competitive advantage by working outside the project and has provided data that may not be possible to produce in their current breeding facilities. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment |
| Impact Types | Societal Economic |
| Description | House of Commons Science & Technology Select Committee Insect Decline Consultation |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/43667/documents/216787/default/ |
| Description | Training for CSFB rearing and resistance phenotyping |
| Geographic Reach | Europe |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Description | Nepal, Denmark, Mexico: Resilience to crop pests and disease in a changing climate |
| Amount | £30,489 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/W018462/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2022 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Title | CSFB lab-rearing SOP |
| Description | This SOP details the methodology for collection and year-round rearing of CSFB for research purposes. Access to a constant supply of CSFB adults and larvae for plant-insect experimentation is possible with the development of this SOP. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This methodology has been made available to the plant breeding partners from the BR2CSFB project to allow them to rear CSFB in-house. To date, three partners have reported successful and sustained beetle rearing using this SOP (and associated training). This will be published in the future. |
| Title | CSFB larval plant resistance assay - controlled conditions SOP |
| Description | This SOP details the methodology to assay Brassica species for resistance to larval CSFB using infestation with newly hatched larvae followed by larval exacuation after a period of growth. Screening of populations in a replicated manner is possible using this methodology. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This methodology has been made available to the plant breeding partners from the BR2CSFB project to allow them to perform controlled screening of commercial germplasm and breeding lines. This is the first time this will have been possible in a controlled manner and is an improvement on field assays for modelling and selection of genetic effects. This will be published in the future. |
| Title | BR2CSFB adult beetle feeding timecourse RNAseq |
| Description | RNAseq data from lines Altasweet and Apex x Ginyou7 at 2, 4 and 8 hours after beetle feeding, mechanical damage, control treatment. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Data distributed to plant breeding partners within the BR2CSFB project to determine genes differentially expressed upon damage by CSFB which may be responsible for plant resistance. |
| Title | BR2CSFB field trial adult CSFB feeding data - breeders |
| Description | Images and data for adult CSFB feeding on 20 commercial lines x 5 replicates with 10 plants per replicate. 3 years of field trials 2020-2023. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Data has been shared with commercial breeding partners to help support breeding for resistance. Data has also been shared with the Alan Turing institute to support developement if AI scoring methodologies for insect damage. A parallel dataset exists for matching field trials at Rothamsted Research. |
| Title | BR2CSFB field trial larval infestation data - breeders |
| Description | Larval evacuation data in Dec and Feb for field trials including 20 commercial lines of B. napus by CSFB x 5 replicates with 10 plants per replicate. Parallel data exist for matched field trial at Rothamsted research. Data also includes plant developmental timing data and breeder scoring data. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Early versions of this dataset were available in 2021 with further data continuing to be added. All data shared with commercial breeding partners on BR2CSFB project. |
| Title | BR2CSFB parental line genome sequence - Altasweet and Apex x Ginyou7 |
| Description | PacBioHiFi genome sequence assembly |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Genome sequence for parental lines has been distributed to plant breeding consortium members within the BR2CSFB project. This had been incorporated into company resources and will be used internally for research. |
| Title | CSFB adult beedle feeding on breeding lines |
| Description | Dataset for feeding of adult CSFB on 14 selected commercial materials in collaboration with plant breeding companies. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Data has directly informed breeding partners on the resistance or susceptibility present within their breeding material compared to others in the market. This knowledge can be taken forward into breeding. |
| Description | AHDB annual project report 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Completion of annual reporting requirements for AHDB to track project progress and identify potential for communication to farming stakeholders. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | AHDB monitoring meeting: Pests and soils |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Annual AHDB project meeting to report current research outcomes. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Apex Agronomy meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Meeting with cometcial company about utilising methodology from CSFB work for research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | BASF - research in Brassica |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Meeting with BASF to develop further work interactions in Brassica. Further interest in current research was raised. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | BASF commercial discussions |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Discussion with BAFS about the BR2CSFB project |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | BASF potential further work |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Discussion with future project partners BASF. Potential further work discussed. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | BASF visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Visit to JIC by BASF to scope potential for collaboration. Presented BR2CSFB project plus other work from JIC. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | BCPC Pests and Beneficial meeting |
| 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 | Meeting of BCPC group to discuss current research, policy and future activities |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | BCPC Pests and Beneficials Conference |
| 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 | Work on CSFB presneted at the BCPC conference |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | BR2CSFB project consortium dissemination meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Presentation to disseminate results to the BR2CSFB funding consortium. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | BSPB |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of project outcomes to the British Society of Plant Breeders. This follows on from a presentation initially given when we were looking for funding for the project. Audiesnce included AHDB and NIAB staff. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | CSFB talk at Eastern Regional Agronomy Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A presentation to approximately 50 agronomists from the East Anglia region on our ongoing cabbage stem flea beetle research. The talk initiated substantial discussion about current practices in CSFB management and our future plans for the project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | CSFB talk at Frontier Annual Norfolk Growers Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A presentation to 100+ Norfolk-based farmers and agronomists on our ongoing cabbage stem flea beetle research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Collaboration scoping with Turing Scivision |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presentation of data and current analysis issues to Turing institute. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | DSV European Breeders Meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Invited speaker at the DSV breeders conference. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Engaement with industry - DysonFarming |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Discussion on current Brassica research with Dyson Farming. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Engagement with industry - Bayer |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Meeting with researchers at Bayerto discuss current projects and potential future investigations |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Engagement with industry - Sentinel |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Discussion with industry with regards to commercial testing for insect control |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Ento23 talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A presentation on the BR2CSFB project delivered at the Ento23 conference (Royal Entomological Society). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Evidence week - Sense about science |
| 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 | Discussion of research with politicians. Knowledge about current ongoing science |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://senseaboutscience.org/evidence-week/ |
| Description | Farming today interview CSFB |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Interview on the CSFB work at JIC and RRes |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Frontier Regional Agronomy conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Presentation on JIC CSFB research program at a the regional agronomy conference. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Frontier agronomy conference - invited talk |
| 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 | Discussion of current science with large agronomy company. Questions and discussion on growth of oilseed rape. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Interview for Crop protection Magazine - Adam Clarke |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Follow up article on the BR2CSFB project |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Interview for Crop protection Magazine - George Chancellor |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Interview about CSFB work for Br2csfb project |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Interview/article Chemistry and Industry (Vol86 March22) JIC/RRes |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Interview for article on the effects of CSFB |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | John Innes Centre Farmers' Day 2023 - Future of Agriculture Network |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Visit by approx 25 farming industry member to discuss JIC research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Knowledge exchange for CSFB rearing with Rothamsted |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Visit from research technician at Rothamsted Research to demostrate CSFB rearing setup. The visitor has since reported improved CSFB rearing success at Rothamsted. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Meeting with Engage Agronomy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Discussion with Engage Agronomy about potential use of CSFB research methodology/commercial interaction. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Morley Innovation Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Work displayed at farming open day. Promoted questions and discussion on Brassica research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | NFU visit to Field experimentation centre |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Visit from National Farmers Union. Talk given on JIC CSFB research program. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Norwich Research Park Institute Partnership Meeting with BBSRC |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Requested speaker - Rapid talk given at a multi-institue meeting to highlight the CSFB research atJIC |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Novo Nordisk engaement meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Supporters |
| Results and Impact | Visit to JIC from potential charitable funding body |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | OMEX visit to JIC |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Discussion on CSFB work at JIC and trialling potential. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | OREGIN talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presentation on the BR2CSFB work at the OREGIN meeting |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Open afternoon at JIC field station: 'Battling beetles in oilseed rape' display |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Roughly 20 residents from the surrounding area attended an open afternoon at the JIC field station in Bawburgh, Norfolk. I presented a stall on our ongoing work with the cabbage stem flea beetle and engaged with members of the public, which opened up discussions about insect biology and integrated pest management practices. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Oxford Farming Conference visit to JIC |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Visit from Oxford Farming Conference representatives to look at JIC science. Visit was divided into focus sessions. Session covered JIC CSFB work |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Presentation at AHDB funding meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Dissemination of project outputs to AHDB |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | REAP conference presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Talk at the Agritech East REAP conference |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Radio program involvement - BBC Womans Hour |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Participant on Womans Hour Radio show on Brassica |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Turing SciVision meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Attendance at the Turing SciVision machine learning meeting to present image data obtained from the BR2CSFB and discuss the potential for machine learning approaches to CSFB damage phenotyping. Collaboration is ongoing with the Turing Institute. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Visist from HZAU |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Visit from HZAU delegation to discuss research commonalities |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Visit by Debiie Harding - BBSRC |
| 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 | Visit from BBSRC to discuss current research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Visit from CRODA |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Visit from CRODA Europe to show current CSFB work and discuss future collaboration on CSFB projects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Visit from LSPB |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Visit from LSPB to discuss field experimentation and learn scoring methodology |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |