One of the UK’s largest seed suppliers is collaborating with Warwick University to help find a cure for two disease that cause large crop losses: Sclerotinia in swede and mildrew in herb species.
Fungal pathogen Sclerotinia causes rotting in the field and in storage, while mildew is a foliar disease that spreads quickly in warm conditions – particularly affecting herb species grown under glass.
Both diseases can lead to a substantial loss of yield and are a major cause for concern among UK growers at present.
In an effort to tackle the pathogens, Elsoms has invested heavily in its plant breeding facilities, installing a new pathology lab, growing rooms, a microbiological cabinet, a -20 degree freezer, and a refurbished glasshouse with LED lighting and an automatic watering system.
With the help of Warwick University’s plant genetics and crop improvement graduate Rosanne Maguire, the company’s aim is to breed disease resistant varieties, developed and tested for the conditions and regions in which they will be required.
Commenting on the progress of the project so far, Sue Kennedy, head of plant breeding at Elsoms, said: “Rosanne’s results have been inspiring, enlightening and incredibly useful. The knowledge gained has already been a considerable boost to our existing breeding programmes and will help us bring new disease resistant varieties into the marketplace to benefit growers in the UK and overseas.”
The company added that it is supportive of so-called Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with research institutions, recognising the value of exchanging information and expertise with specialist graduates.
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