Increase in farmland under organic conversion
M
Sainsbury Laboratory identify and clone resistance genes in wheat and its wild relatives using technologies such as AgRenSeq, MutRenSeq and MutChromSeq.
Molecular components involved in disease resistance – R genes and ef- fectors – could be captured from both the host and pathogen. Whole genome sequencing would be carried out on wheat, its progenitors and domesti- cated and wild relatives.
Genetic variation Association genetics, a method of seek- ing useful genetic variation, could then be used to look for correlations between the host genotype and disease resist- ance or susceptibility and the genes responsible for these traits could be identified. The researchers calculate it would cost around £41m to establish the new platform at the required scale. But they say this is a minor investment con- sidering the financial losses current- ly caused by wheat diseases. “Compared to the scale of the prob- lem in yield losses to pests and patho- gens, this represents excellent value for money,” says first author Amber Hafeez.
“It is unsustainable to continue los- ing 20% of our wheat production to pathogens. Our enterprise applies cut- ting edge science to a global challenge that is increasing due to the climate emergency.”
Global population
Current projections suggest disease- resistant crops will be key to feeding a global population forecast to increase by 2.1bn people by 2050. But the sci- entists say resistant crops won’t be de- veloped without investment. “We have been delighted with the initial enthusiastic response to our pro- posals – many research groups and col- laborators have welcomed the idea and we feel this confirms our belief that the time is right for this proposal.”
SENSATION – The multiresistant barley
The first commercial variety to combine Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) and Barley Yellow Mosaic Virus (BaYMV) Type 1 and Type 2 protection.
• Multi resistance 6 row winter feed barley • High yield early variety • Suitable for early sowing dates • Good straw strength and high specific weight • Performing well in both treated and untreated trials – with and without BYDV virus pressure.
Innovation for your growth
ore farmers are going or- ganic with an almost 12% increase in the land being
entered into conversion, according to the latest Defra figures.
The latest Organic Statistics for 2020 show an 11.6% increase in cer- tified organic land in conversion across the UK – a trend that has increased every year since 2014, with the excep- tion of 2019.
Organic arable farming saw a 7%
increase in 2020. This mirrors the performance across Europe where the number of producers and organic land continues to rise in line with the EU’s ambition for 25% of all farmland to be organic by 2030. The Soil Association said growing consumer demand for organic food was driving the uplift in farmers seeking conversion. It said the trend signalled growing confidence and interest in the organic sector.
www.dsv-seeds.com
JULY 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 15
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