The future of mushroom research in the UK is safe thanks to a new appointment by East Malling Research.
Dr Kerry Burton is internationally recognised for his research expertise in biochemistry and molecular genetics and developmental biology of fungi and plants and joins EMR as senior research leader having previously worked at Warwick-HRI’s Wellesbourne site before its recent closure.
Describing his work as stretching from high level basic science, and in particular genomics, to practical solutions that directly assist growers, Burton, said: “My move to EMR is a very positive one and has been well received by the mushroom industry. It is also exciting to be given the opportunity to combine applied science and work in an industry-facing organisation.”
Burton’s work has increasingly used genome micro-arrays to focus on disease, and physiological disorders. He is working on a diagnostic test for the mushroom virus X which predicts the disease before it develops and will be an invaluable commercial early warning system for growers. He is also planning to expand his interests in improving the quality of horticultural produce.
“EMR has done some excellent work in transferring its technologies and what it has learned in for example water management from nursery stock to strawberries to now potatoes, and I believe I can do the same with key elements of my research to help the growers of many other crops.”
In January, Burton will be joined by Professor Ralph Noble who he has worked with at HRI Warwick for many years. Noble is a mushroom agronomist and UK specialist in the use of waste materials in horticultural growing media and the eradication of pathogens during composting.
Dr John Collier, Chairman of HDC’s Mushroom Panel, said: “It is vital that the mushroom industry continues to have access to applied scientific research if it is to remain competitive. HDC strongly support and welcome the move by Kerry Burton and Ralph Noble to East Malling Research”.
