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Soils
HGCA’s four-year (2012–2016) national Soil Programme is researching practical and sustainable soil management practices.
The work explores how soil variability can be better managed (Project 3785) and how the effects of soil management can be better measured (Project 3786).
Soil organic matter’s relationship to soil structure and fertility is being investigated in-depth in Project 3787.
Crop Research Conference
Whether it is a pest, weed or disease, knowing the enemy is the focus of the AHDB Crop Research Conference being held this autumn.
The Conference will bring together researchers, policy makers and industry innovators to map out how crop protection can benefit from recent scientific advances.
Find out more here
Diseases
HGCA research investigates crop diseases and control. This produces practical tools for disease forecasting and information about fungicide performance.
Other projects have longer-term aims such as understanding the evolution of fungicide resistance in pathogens and varietal disease resistance.
Weeds
Weed management has become an increasing challenge due to changing EU regulations, herbicide resistance and a lack of new control methods.
This has led to HGCA research into integrated control measures, which use both cultural and chemical approaches, such as better use of fallows and improved spraying methods.
Nutrients
An improved understanding of nutrients enables growers to enhance crop development and receive a better financial return whilst protecting the environment.
HGCA funds applied research into crop nutrient requirements, practical management tools and the use of fertilisers and organic materials.
Grain Quality
HGCA’s research strategy is committed to helping growers meet market requirements for grain quality whilst improving input use efficiency and overall yields.
Research involves both long-term fundamental research into crop genetics and the development of practical tools for quality monitoring and assessment.
Genetics
Advances in genetics have been pivotal for the improvements in yield and quality seen in recent years.
HGCA research uses genetic information to assist with conventional breeding methods. Recently, HGCA have initiated a major review into the use of biotechnology in the UK.
Pests
Pest outbreaks can be hard to predict because conditions vary from season to season. For this reason, pest monitoring and analysis are a high priority for HGCA.
Insecticide resistance is also a major concern within the industry so HGCA invests in improving chemical control programmes and better understanding resistance.
Environment
Stewardship is important for the long-term profitable production of crops.
Growers recognise that they are custodians of the land and are increasingly interested in information that can help them limit the effects that essential farming activity can have on the environment.
Cropping systems
This initiative aims to provide growers and agronomists with more regionally specific information about agronomy, variety performance and markets.
Grass weed research
A new HGCA report focuses on controlling grass weeds in rotations of autumn sown crops. The report looks at how growers can maintain effective control despite the development of herbicide resistant weeds, a lack of new modes of action and the potential loss of key herbicides under the Water Framework Directive and other legislation.
Funding and awards
The main areas of funding from HGCA are:
Research and Development contracts awarded for:
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
