Tag: Scotland

Young Plant Scientist accolade for Dundee-based researcher

Posted on December 23, 2017 by - Press release

A PhD student at the University of Dundee and James Hutton Institute has been selected as Young Plant Scientist 2018 in the fundamental research category by the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO).

Shumei Wang, based at the Institute’s Cell and Molecular Sciences group, has discovered a new pathway involved in infection by Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen responsible for potato late blight. Her work significantly improves the understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and may open new possibilities in the development of defence strategies.

Native plants need re-seeding after rhododendron removal, study finds

Posted on August 22, 2017 by - Press release

Native plants need a helping hand if they are to recover from invasive rhododendron, Scottish ecologists have discovered. A new study in the Journal of Applied Ecology reveals that – even at sites cleared of rhododendron 30 years ago – much native flora has still not returned. As a result, rhododendron eradication programmes may need to be supplemented by reseeding for the original plant community to re-establish.

Blueberry growers advised to remain alert about recently detected pest

Posted on July 14, 2017 by - Press release

© James Hutton InstituteThe blueberry aphid, Ericaphis scammelli, has been detected during routine aphid surveys by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) and is thought to be widespread across Scotland. It is also known to occur in other parts of the United Kingdom and Europe.

The pest can be found more on some cultivars than others with highest infestation levels between May and July.

Researchers urge agricultural industry to challenge barriers to women farmers

Posted on June 23, 2017 by - Press release

© James Hutton InstituteResearch by Newcastle University and the James Hutton Institute has found that women play a major role in Scottish agriculture, participating in the full range of farming activities. However, barriers remain to their entry into the industry, their career progression, and promotion to leadership roles.

These are some of the findings of research commissioned by the Scottish Government into the contribution of women to agriculture. The Women in Agriculture report was launched at the Royal Highland Show as part of the ‘Women in Agriculture Breakfast’, hosted by SRUC, with the participation of Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.

Scotland’s first vertical indoor farm to be operational by Autumn 2017

Posted on June 21, 2017 by - Press release

Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), the Scottish-based vertical farming business, is set to complete the construction of its first indoor growth facility in the next few months. The purpose-built facility is being constructed at the James Hutton Institute‘s site in Invergowrie, near Dundee.

The completion of the indoor farm will allow for a full-scale trial to deliver the UK’s first commercially viable vertical growing environment through a collaboration with global automation business Omron. 

Turning over a new LEAF at Christmas

Posted on November 18, 2016 by - Press release

Arriving in Waitrose branches for the first time this year are British grown Christmas trees carrying the LEAF Marque logo, meaning they have been sustainably grown with care for the countryside and wildlife that live there.

Grown by LEAF Marque certified business, Hopeman Christmas Trees Ltd in the Black Isle, a peninsula in the north of Inverness, the beautiful British Nordman Fir Trees have been produced following LEAF’s Integrated Farm Management Principles. These include measures to protect soil and water, preserve and enhance wildlife habitats, recycle waste and conserve energy.