HGCA : Research

Research
HGCA’s research programme aims to deliver ‘sustainable intensification’ for the UK cereals and oilseeds sector, to increase the competitiveness of the UK industry in the face of increasing challenges, such as pest, disease and weed resistance, climate change, legislative pressures, population growth and competition for land use.

Disease research

HGCA work develops practical tools for disease forecasting and fungicide performance as well as long-term projects looking at disease evolution and resistance.

HGCA Technical Conferences bring researchers, agronomists and industry together to learn about the latest advances in crop production and protection.

The importance of good soil health for crop production has long been recognised. HGCA work provides practical soil management guidance as well as a fuller understanding of soil biology and physics.

HGCA researches both cultural and chemical approaches such as better use of fallows and improved spraying methods.

HGCA invests in pest monitoring, analysis and improving chemical control programmes to better understand resistance.

Stewardship of the environment is important for the long-term sustainability of agriculture. HGCA research looks at how to manage land and inputs to limit any negative consequences of food production.

HGCA funds research into crop nutrient requirements, practical management tools and the use of fertilisers and organic materials.

HGCA’s research strategy is committed to helping growers meet market requirements for grain quality whilst improving input use efficiency and overall yields.

Research into crop genetics has underpinned yield increases and improvements in quality. Plant breeding continues to make use of genetics and new molecular techniques to boost crop performance even further.

HGCA is responding to market opportunities by supporting research into the use of cereals and oilseeds for the production of biofuels, biodegradeable packaging and fine chemicals.

Quality as well as quantity for GB wheat and barley

6 November 2014 New!

Harvest 2014 has delivered large and generally good quality wheat and barley crops. For wheat, this has helped to provide the domestic crop with an edge as the UK looks to reclaim its net-exporter status. Meanwhile, a large grain size and low nitroge

a) Research projects which meet the objectives outlined in the R&KT; Strategy Document

b) Knowledge Transfer events or publications linked to the research programme

Student bursaries and post-graduate studentships

HGCA monitoring is pilot scheme to provide growers and agronomists with regionally specific information about agronomy, disease and variety performance.

Research

Disease research

Technical Conferences

Soil research

Weed research

Pest research

Environment research

Nutrient research

Grain quality research

Genetics research

Industrial uses research