In this issue

          Applied Research Forum launch "Soil Information Gateway"
          Wheat bulb fly update
             - Topic sheet
             - Topic breakfast meetings
             - Survey report
          Your ideas for Topic Breakfasts 2007/08
          Call for expressions of interest
             -  New PhD projects
             -  Publication on "natural enemies"
          Harvest Results
          Thank you

A new web-based resource at www.appliedresearchforum.org.uk/soils, provides a thorough guide to common soil-related issues, such as compaction, water and wind erosion, capping, slumping, poaching and waterlogging. The Soils Information Gateway is a central resource, with links to a comprehensive list of publications and training organisations. New case studies, including six focussed on combinable crops, have been produced to provide practical supporting information on best practice.
 
The project was funded by the Applied Research Forum and led by the British Potato Council with support from the Home-Grown Cereals Authority. Experts and case study farmers have also been put forward by the Horticulture Development Council, English Beef and Lamb Executive, Milk Development Council and British Pig Executive.

Topic Sheet
A new Topic Sheet has been produced providing information on pest incidence, sampling and thresholds, and chemical control options. Hard copies will be mailed out next week. To view the electronic version of the Topic Sheet click on this link:  http://www.hgca.com/publink.aspx?id=4022

Topic Breakfast meeting
If you would like more information on wheat bulb fly you can question the researchers at two events being held in November. At these topic breakfast meetings you will have the opportunity to discuss integrated management strategies for wheat bulb fly and methods for monitoring and control. The dates and venues are:
          14 November, Kelso, Scotland
          21 November, King's Lynn, Norfolk
Further details will be available soon on the events page of the HGCA website (www.hgca.com/events )

Annual wheat bulb fly survey report:
The third survey report from the HGCA-funded project that is looking at the incidence of wheat bulb fly in the autumn will be available at the end of the month.  The aim of the project is to help growers predict the need for seed treatments for late-sown crops that are specifically at risk from wbf.  You will be alerted through CRN once the summary is available on the web.  Additional reports on the project can be found at this link: http://www.hgca.com/publink.aspx?id=2371

Topic Breakfasts are a popular and effective way of hearing about the latest findings from HGCA-funded R&D on a regional basis. These informal meetings provide an opportunity for groups of about 25-40 farmers and advisors to discuss the latest information on a local, topical issue with a leading expert.

Is there a particular agronomy-related topic that you would like tackled in a Topic Breakfast meeting in your area? Do you know of an established farmer group that would be interested in one of these meetings? If so please let us know.

We can provide expert speakers on a range of current agronomic issues, who will provide you with the latest research results.

If you have any suggestions, please contact  Neha.Kanabar@hgca.com . We look forward to receiving your ideas.

1. New PhD projects
HGCA is once again inviting all UK Universities and Research Institutes to apply for partial funding for 3 PhD projects, starting Autumn 2008. The closing date for applications is 2 November.

Over the last 6 years, HGCA's R&D Advisory Committee has supported a programme of PhD studentships and HGCA is currently supporting 25 PhD projects. The range of projects is wide and covers aspects of research from crop production to human and animal nutrition.

Information on all current PhD projects can be found in the funding and awards section of the HGCA website:  http://www.hgca.com/content.output/648/648/Funding%20and%20Awards/Funding%20and%20Awards/PhD%20Studentships.mspx .

2. Production of a grower-focused publication to improve exploitation of natural enemies as a component of integrated pest management.
The closing date for applications is 21 September.

Further information and application forms on both calls can be found at  http://www.hgca.com/calls .

The winter wheat harvest is almost complete and an RL update table will be posted on the website on Wednesday next week (12th September). To view it go to: http://www.hgca.com/content.output/2391/2391/Varieties/HGCA%20Harvest%20Results/Winter%20wheat%20RL%20results%202007.mspx