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19 April 2012
BRADBOURNE
HOUSE AND GARDENS TO OPEN FOR CHARITY
29 April 2012
2-5pm

The East Malling Trust, owners of Bradbourne
House are offering one of the few opportunities in 2012 for the public
to view this splendid Grade 1 listed house and its grounds, including
the Hatton Fruit Garden.
Bradbourne House displays excellent examples of
Queen Anne period architecture disguising an original Tudor period
house, with fine rooms, halls, staircases and a unique collection of
watercolours and portraits.
The predominant feature of the Hatton
Fruit
Garden, inspired by the
fruit plantings in Louis XIV kitchen garden at Versailles, is the use of pruning and training
to achieve the widest range of fruit tree forms in the country. It
includes cordons, pyramids and
espaliers and variants of these basic forms:
oblique and vertical cordons,
cordon arches, double 'U' cordons, step-over, goblet, crown, arcure, le
bateau, winged pyramid. In fact, 25 different training methods are
on display. In addition, there are examples of 47 varieties of
apple, 28 varieties of pear and individuals of medlar, nectarine, peach
and fig. Experts from nearby world-renowned East Malling Research will
be on hand to give advice on how to create these forms.
Originally planted in 1945, the garden was
established to show the economic use of ground, without over-crowding.
Although selective tree removal and replanting has occurred, many
examples of the original remain. The garden continues to evolve and
recent plantings will help to demonstrate how the different tree forms
are produced. New plantings of apples include examples of varieties
produced by the breeders at East Malling Research.
The Hatton Garden is also now a venue for short
courses on pruning offered by East Malling Short Courses
(http://www.emr.ac.uk/EMSCs.htm).
For the second year, the Mid-Kent Beekeepers are
planning to supply attractions for visitors including apiary visits,
candle rolling, candle dipping and honey sales.
There will also be science exhibits, plant and
produce sales, music and refreshments.
This is the 32nd year that the Hatton
Garden has been opened for the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).
All gate receipts and contributions from plant and produce sales
are donated to the NGS and many thousands of pounds have been raised to
benefit its charities over the years.
Admission £3.50. Children (under 16) free.
Entrance on New Road, East Malling, Kent off the A20.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Ursula Twomey, Telephone 01732 843833, e-mail
ursula.twomey@emr.ac.uk
For more information on Bradbourne House and
Gardens visit
www.bradbournehousekent.co.uk
For more information on the National Gardens
Scheme, view www.ngs.org.uk
Photographs of plantings in Hatton Garden are
available on request.
Back to Press Releases
NEWS
RELEASE
03/05/2012
EMR Entomologist's
Research Into Pests is Best
East
Malling Research entomologist Professor Jerry Cross' world-leading
studies into pest management have been recognised by the Royal
Horticultural Society.
The
experienced professor was awarded the Jones-Bateman Cup for his research
into various approaches including better targeting of sprays (reducing
drift into the environment) and, especially, the development of
pheromone technology to monitor pest numbers and to disrupt insect
mating, thereby reducing the need for the application of pesticides.
The
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) trophy is awarded every three years in
recognition of those conducting original research in fruit culture.
Assessors determine the winner based on the originality and potential
value to the fruit-growing industry of the candidate's work.
RHS
President Elizabeth Banks said the EMR entomologist was a deserving
winner.
"Professor
Jerry Cross was given this award after a unanimous decision by the
assessors who felt him to be a very worthy winner" she said.
"His research at EMR has embraced a wide range of insect studies but of
major significance has been his development of Integrated Pest
Management leading to a great reduction in pesticide use on fruit crops."
He is now deservedly considered a world leader in this area of
research at home and abroad.
Accepting the award, Professor Cross said:
"I would like to thank every
member of my team at East Malling Research for their unwavering support
and determination.
I am
incredibly proud of our work in reducing the need for pesticide use
through pest management research.
Working in collaboration with Professor David Hall of the Natural
Resources Institute, we were able to identify the female sex pheromones
of all but one of the midge pests and of the two main capsid pests of
fruit crops.
Both
are remarkable achievements of international scientific significance and
are proving to be of great practical value to the UK horticulture
industry."
EMR Chief Executive Peter Gregory expressed his delight in seeing
Professor Cross'
work acknowledged in this way. He said:
"Jerry's
research has provided many practical benefits for both professional and
amateur fruit growers and we are grateful to the RHS for this
prestigious award."
Professor Cross leads EMR's Pest and Pathogen Ecology for Sustainable
Crop Management science programme. He has worked as a fruit entomologist
for more 30 years and is very well known in the UK fruit industry.
Throughout his career Professor Cross has been engaged in research into
the pests of UK fruit crops and his work forms the basis of many pest
management practices for fruit crops today.
For
more information on EMR visit www.emr.ac.uk
ENDS
Captions
Jones-Bateman Cup-1.jpg = East Malling Research entomologist Professor
Jerry Cross
Jones-Bateman Cup-2.jpg = East Malling Research entomologist Professor
Jerry Cross with RHS President Elizabeth Banks
For
further information, or to visit and arrange an interview, please
contact:
Back to Press Releases
NEWS
RELEASE
24/05/2012
Public fruit tree courses help
increase harvests
Expert
advice on how to get more fruit from your apple trees by discovering how
to properly prune them is on offer thanks to East Malling Short Courses
(EMSC), part of the commercial operations of East Malling Trust in Kent.
Keen
amateur gardeners can improve their fruit tree husbandry and avoid
making pruning errors, by attending one of the three EMSC pruning
workshops, to be held on the evening of Wednesday, July 4, afternoon of
Wednesday July 11, or morning of Wednesday, July 25.
The
course will focus on the art of seasonal pruning, including
basic principles, the right equipment and techniques; and how summer
pruning complements winter pruning, imparting valuable knowledge to
enable year-round care of fruit trees.
Participants
will also discover how to plant, establish and nurture fruit trees,
which varieties to plant and the importance of pollination.
Fran
Gallwey, who manages the courses for EMSC, said: “Reaction to the first
series of courses, delivered under the watchful and expert eye of John
Easton, was very positive and we expect that demand will be high for the
new programme of courses. East Malling Research is synonymous with fruit
trees and the courses will give invaluable tips and trade secrets on how
to increase fruit yields.
“Participants will also be able to learn how to best manage a fruit crop
in a small area, how to control tree growth and what to do in summer and
winter pruning when trees can appear to be getting out of hand.”
The
courses are delivered at the Hatton Fruit Garden, formerly the kitchen
garden of the Grade 1 listed Bradbourne House, and home to East Malling
Trust. Students will be given access to the garden, which was inspired
by the fruit plantings in Louis XIV’s kitchen garden at Versailles. The
garden’s fruit trees have been trained and pruned over many decades to
produce a myriad of designs, including cordons, espaliers, goblets,
pyramids, fans, arches, crowns, le bateau and arcure forms.
Feedback from the 2011/12 programme was extremely positive and EMSC
anticipates high levels of attendance for the 2012/13 series of courses.
The number of delegates on each of the pruning courses is limited and
the cost is £45.00 per person
including refreshments in the dining room at Bradbourne House.
For more details contact Fran Gallwey on 01732 523755 or email:
fran.gallwey@emr.ac.uk.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The
scientists at East Malling Research have been at the forefront of soft
and top fruit research since 1913, when the research station was
established by fruit growers to support the industry. Thanks to the work
undertaken by the scientists, draft rootstocks were developed at East
Malling, which dramatically increased the yields of apple trees, making
the word ‘Malling’ synonymous with apple production throughout the
world.
For further information contact:
·
Andrew Metcalf, Maxim
·
Tel: 01892 513033
E-mail: Andrew@maxim-pr.co.uk
Back to Press Releases
NEWS
RELEASE
29/05/2012
Increase Skills With East Malling
Short Courses
Dedicated training for horticultural and other land-based businesses is
on hand thanks to a wide range of practical, professional courses, being
delivered by East Malling Short Courses (EMSC) this summer.
The
hands-on workshops, which take place on the same estate as the
world-renowned East Malling Research, offer specialist training in a
number of disciplines and include National Proficiency Tests Council
assessment and accreditation where required.
Upcoming courses include Pesticide Application (PA1) and Safe Use of
Knapsack Sprayers (PA6), Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting
(CS30/31) and Emergency First Aid.
The
programmes are led by EMSC, a Lantra Awards approved training provider,
which has provided training for more than 160 people since it was
established less than a year ago.
Fran
Gallwey, Manager of EMSC, said: “Developing and enhancing the skills of
your workforce is key to business growth. We are perfectly positioned to
deliver training programmes that accommodate staff of all abilities and
offer you the best possible return on investment.
“To
ensure you maximise the development of your workforce, our short courses
are designed to re-skill employees in new areas or keep you and your
team up-to-date with industry developments and legislative changes. EMSC
offer refresher training to do just this for all NPTC units, a
recommendation by the HSE.
“We
would like to stress that we are here to help the industry and should
any professional require training in other disciplines - either in
conjunction or aside from our diverse programme of practical courses -
we are more than happy to arrange this either at East Malling or at
their business premises.”
To
date, 164 industry professionals have enrolled onto one of 31 EMSC
courses, with a pass rate of 97 per cent. Customer satisfaction is
extremely high and stands at 4.9 out of 5. EMSC offers free refresher
training in the unlikely event of anyone not passing on their first
attempt.
EMSC
offers highly competitive pricing and provides discounts for group
bookings. For further information of the dates, times and prices of the
EMSC programme of courses contact Fran Gallwey via email:
fran.gallwey@emr.ac.uk or by phone on 01732 523755.
Courses:
|
Date
|
Course
|
Cost (per person)
|
|
June 7
|
Emergency first aid at work
|
£65
|
|
June 11 – 15
|
CS38 Climb trees and perform aerial rescue
|
£585
|
|
June 19
|
Loading shovel training
|
£140
|
|
July 2 – 5
|
CS31 Chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting
|
£485
|
|
July 4 – 5
|
PA1 Pesticide application foundation unit
|
£245 (inc NPTC reg and assessment)
|
|
July 6
|
PA6 Safe use of knapsack sprayers
|
£205 (inc NPTC reg and assessment)
|
|
July 30 – August 3
|
CS30/31, Chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting; felling of
small trees
|
£695 (inc NPTC reg and assessment)
|
|
July 31 – August 2
|
First aid at work
|
£185
|
|
August 9
|
Emergency first aid at work
|
£65
|
|
August 15 – 16
|
PA1 Pesticide application foundation unit
|
£245 (inc NPTC reg and assessment)
|
|
August 17
|
PA6 Safe use of knapsack sprayers
|
£205 (inc NPTC reg and assessment)
|
|
August 20 - 24
|
Chainsaw refresher week
|
£99 per day
|
For
more information on EMR visit www.emr.ac.uk
ENDS
For
further information, or to visit and arrange an interview, please
contact:
·
Simon
Robinson or Andrew Metcalf, Maxim. Tel: 01892 513033
Back to Press Releases
10 July 2012
Concept cherry orchard in Fruit Safe hands
With April to June 2012 having been the
wettest three months on record, the concept cherry orchard installed by
the East Malling Trust and
UNIVEG Katopé UK,
has well and truly tested the UK’s first ever
‘quick zip cover’ from HAGO Fruit Safe.
The concept orchard, planted in March 2010 on a hectare of land at East
Malling, is designed to demonstrate the growing performance of eight
cherry varieties on a combination of two dwarfing rootstocks with
differing tree spacing regimes and shaping plans.
Since the planting, the team at East Malling Ltd has been responsible
for the husbandry and maintenance of the orchard, including the pruning
and shaping of the 1,600 trees and identification of best practice in
terms of producing cost-effective, quality cherries.
Richard Isaacs of
UNIVEG Katopé UK,
said: “The concept orchard is all about seeking to identify the optimum
growing methods for cherries in the UK, and enabling growers to reduce
the risks and maximise the returns.”
With the varieties taking two to three years to get into shape for
cherry production, the partners behind the concept orchard anticipate
that measuring the effectiveness of the planting options adopted will
take place in 2013/14.
Richard Isaacs added: “By working with the team at East Malling we have
been able to design an orchard which pushes the trees to the limits, and
we’ve adopted a scientific approach. As well as trying to demonstrate
what works best in terms of cherry production, we are also keen to
identify what doesn't work in a UK environment.”
“Recent years has seen an increase in the
planting of cherries as growers look to take advantage of growing
consumer demand.
It is possible there will be a point in the
future when main-season production of home-grown cherries exceeds
demand, and it will be important for growers to have cost effective
growing systems in place to produce high quality cherries at very
competitive prices.”
Graham Caspell, Estate Manager at East Malling Ltd, said: “Planting
1,600 trees on the hectare, compared to a European standard of 1,000,
means that we are pushing the boundaries of cherry production.”
“Given the dramatic variations in weather that
we have experienced over the last few years, protection systems are
becoming increasingly important to cherry growers. The HAGO Fruit Safe
‘quick zip’ system, which is an integral part of the concept orchard,
has proved itself this year, not only in terms of the speed it can be
erected or taken down, but ultimately in its ability to protect the
orchard.”
Visitors to Fruit
Focus which takes place at East Malling Research on 25 July, will have
an opportunity to visit the Concept Cherry Orchard during the popular
EMR tours. Visitors can sign up at the EMR stand (No. 40).
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Metcalf
t: 01892 513033 • m:
07990 574680
Maxim, 8 St
John's Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9NP
Back to Press Releases
23 July 2012
 |
Newham to grow East Malling Research’s
profile
|
With society and the media increasingly focused on food security and how
agriculture and horticulture can rise to the challenge of adapting to
climate change, East Malling Research has strengthened its
communications team.
Ross Newham has been appointed as Head of Communications and will take
on responsibility for reaching out to the many sectors and audiences,
including the horticulture industry, through media, marketing and social
media activities.
He joins East Malling Research from the Natural Environment Research
Council (NERC) where he led the communications team for the Centre for
Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) in Oxfordshire. Ross also has longstanding
experience in the horticulture industry having worked for Horticultural
Development Company (HDC) for eight years, and before that for
Horticulture Research International for eight years.
“It’s an exciting time to arrive at East Malling as the science being
undertaken here really has the potential to help growers improve their
performance and boost productivity. As an industry-facing research
institution we need to let everybody know what we offer and how, and
why, the leaders in the industry should seek to work with us in
partnership,” said Ross Newham.
EMR’s Chief Executive, Professor Peter Gregory, added: “Ross has a huge
understanding of the sector, and importantly the opportunities and
challenges it faces. He is an important new member of the team as we
look to strengthen our position as the UK’s pre-eminent provider of
high-quality strategic and applied research for the horticulture
industry.”
When not working Ross, aged 45, enjoys all aspects of natural history,
especially wildlife photography and biological recording, and spending
time with his young family.
ENDS
--
Andrew Metcalf
Director,
Maxim PR
t: 01892 513033 • m: 07990 574680 Maxim, 8
St John's Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9NP
Back to Press Releases
17 August 2012
Trust names
Professor Mumford as Vice-Chairman

John Mumford, Professor of Natural Resource Management at Imperial
College London, has been appointed as Vice-Chairman of East Malling
Trust, the Kent-based horticultural charity.
As the country’s largest independent funder of horticultural research,
East Malling Trust has enlisted a board of trustees from the worlds of
science and academia, finance, and growers, to help sustain the UK’s
research base.
Recognised as one of the UK’s leading entomologists, Professor Mumford,
who joined the board in 2010, has undertaken significant research
related to pests and biosecurity, fisheries and environmental risk
management. A large element of Professor Mumford’s focus has been on
supporting international development through horticultural production
and quality improvement, with a strong emphasis on work in developing
countries.
Mitigating the impact of insects and diseases on crops as pests adapt to
climate change and conventional pesticides are withdrawn or restricted,
and ensuring effective pollination, are important aspects of the work
undertaken by entomologists and plant pathologists at East Malling
Research, and funded by the Trust as part of its support for the
recently unveiled Science Strategy.
Commenting on the appointment, Will Sibley, Chairman of the Trust, said:
“The scientific credentials of Professor Mumford are second to none, and
we are delighted he has agreed to take on the role of Vice-Chairman. His
understanding of the research landscape and government policy will help
us to achieve the charity’s objectives to further the cause for
horticulture research.
“If we are going to secure the nation’s food chain, we need an
integrated approach to scientific research and entomology will become
increasingly important. While Professor Mumford won’t be undertaking
research at East Malling the insight he will give the Trust on the issue
of research will be invaluable.”
Professor Mumford added: “I am pleased to become more involved now in
East Malling’s role to develop scientific production methods that
improve the value and security of horticultural production and reduce
its environmental footprint throughout the world.”
An important area of Professor Mumford’s work has been in biosecurity
policy in Europe, USA, New Zealand and with the Food
and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
The Trust has earmarked £1.8m for 2012/13 to support the work of East
Malling Research as part of its goal to advance
science for public benefit, primarily through the support of research
and development, particularly in the fields of horticultural and other
plant-based disciplines.
From its headquarters at Bradbourne House in East Malling, the Trust
also manages a 580 acre estate through its wholly owned subsidiary East
Malling Limited.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Andrew Metcalf, Maxim Tel: 01892 513033
Back to Press Releases
21 August 2012
East Malling Research signed up to support European cherry
production
Cherry production across Europe is set to be improved following the
signing this month of an EU Cooperation in Science and
Technology (COST) Action initiative, involving scientists at East
Malling Research.
The
main focus of COST is enabling scientific collaboration and networking.
Thanks to this Action, cherry researchers at EMR and across Europe will
combine their expertise on plant genetics, physiology as well as pest
and disease management to promote sustainable cherry production in the
EU.
In the
area of genetics, it will aid European breeding programmes to take up
new technologies and help establish coordinated marker-assisted
selection strategies that will allow breeders to identify desirable
traits within plants at the seedling stage optimising the development of
new cultivars.
Feli
Fernández, EMR Cherry Breeder and Management Committee Representative
for the UK in this initiative, said: “Demand for cherries is
continuously increasing as a tasty element in a healthy diet and UK
growers are modernising production to meet this demand adopting new
varieties, dwarfing rootstocks and covers.
“We
are very excited about being involved in the COST action which will
avoid duplication of research effort and ultimately benefit the consumer
and producer through the availability of better cherries.”
Peter
Gregory, Chief Executive of EMR, said: “The COST programme, like much of
the work at East Malling, is placing emphasis on helping growers meet
consumer demand, whilst at the same time promoting sustainable
agriculture and adapting to climate change.
“By
promoting collaboration between researchers and improving the
coordination of European cherry research, UK growers should expect new
varietal advances and the development of novel production techniques
that will further underpin competitive UK production.”
The
COST programme is part of the EU’s European Science Foundation and its
focus on food and agriculture production. It will bring together
scientists involved in cherry breeding as well as experts in genetics,
genomics, agronomy, physiology, phytopathology, entomology,
microbiology, post-harvest technology, and socio-economics.
The
work will also aid the exchange of data between research teams, the
adoption of common experimental protocols, the implementation of
predictive models in the fields of epidemiology and tree phenology.
ENDS
For
further information, or to visit and arrange an interview, please
contact:
·
Andrew
Metcalf, Simon Robinson, Maxim. Tel: 01892 513033
·
Andrew@maxim-pr.co.uk Simon@maxim-pr.co.uk
Back to Press Releases
|
Embargoed until 00.01 am on Tuesday 9th October 2012 (BST) |
 |
Mushroom genome offers insight to key
societal challenges
The edible Button Mushroom (Agaricus
bisporus), a globally important crop valued at £4bn pa, has had its
DNA mapped for the first time. This project will improve the production
of this high value food from waste products and also inform strategies
for future biofuel production and global carbon cycling.
The paper, published today (Tuesday 9 October)
in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), was
co-written in the UK by Dr Kerry Burton and Greg Deakin at East Malling
Research (EMR), as part of an international collaboration funded by the
US Department of Energy examining the many fungi capable of degrading
lignocellulosic or ‘woody’ plant wastes.
“This study now provides scientists with the
molecular mechanism for the special niche that Agaricus inhabits. Whilst
most lignocellulosic fungi grow on raw wood or leaf litter, Agaricus
grows on partially decomposed leaf litter,” commented Dr Kerry Burton.
He continued, “Understanding the mechanisms by which it can do this,
will enable scientists to increase the efficiency of converting plant
waste outputs for the production of high-value mushroom crops with
improved quality characteristics.”
Further energy implications of the work can now
be explored as Agaricus has the ability to break-down difficult woody
plant materials to release locked-up sugars which can then be used
during a fermentation process to produce biofuels.
The Agaricus genome is proving to be a
model-species owing to its almost unique ability to exploit partially
composted plant materials, high in carbon-rich humic substances. Humic
materials originate from decayed plant and bacterial material and
comprise a large part of the organic material in soil. This is
sequestered or locked-up carbon and therefore not in the atmosphere or
contributing to climate change (globally soils and vegetation contain
three times as much carbon as the atmosphere).
Future research at EMR will use this genome
sequence to identify traits beneficial to crop production and the
development of new biofuels.
ENDS
Notes to
Editors
Further information
for journalists can be obtained from Ross Newham, Head of
Communications, East Malling Research, via 01732 523796 or
ross.newham@emr.ac.uk.
‘The genome sequence of the Button Mushroom
Agaricus bisporus reveals mechanisms governing adaptation to a
humic-rich ecological niche’, E
Morin, A Kohler, A Baker, M Foulongne-Oriol, V Lombard, LG Nagy, RA Ohm,
A Patyshakuliyeva, A Brun, AL Aerts, AM Bailey, C Billette, PM Coutinho,
G Deakin, H Doddapanenj, D Floudas, J Grimwood, K Hildén, U Kües, KM
LaButti, A Lapidus, EA Lindquist, SM Lucas, T Lundell, C Murat, RW
Riley, AA Salamov, J Schmutz, V Subramanian, HAB Wösten, JP Xu, DC
Eastwood, GD Foster, ASM Sonnenberg, D Cullen, R P. de Vries, DS
Hibbett, B Henrissat, KS Burton, RW Kerrigan, MP Challen,2, IV
Grigoriev, & F Martin, was published in Proceeding of the National
Academy of Sciences on 8 October 2012 at 03.00am (EST).
East Malling Research is home to the British
centre for mushroom research that takes fundamental processes at the
gene level through to practical delivery to the industry. EMR currently
have a range of mushroom research projects with a total value of over
£600K for increasing the use of the use and efficiency of sustainable
materials, understanding mushroom diseases and improving their control
and improvement to mushroom quality. Many of these projects are using
the genome sequence as microarray and ‘Next Generation Sequencing’
technology to improve research efficiency and understanding.
East Malling Research (EMR), established in
1913, is an independent provider of top-class research, development and
consultancy, serving the food chain and other sectors of the land-based
industry.
Back to Press Releases
|
Food chain quality given
Royal launch
For immediate release: 11 December 2012
|
 |
A major new scientific collaboration between
East Malling Research (EMR) and the University of Greenwich (UoG) was
launched today by HRH The Duke of Kent KG on a visit to EMR.
Ensuring food security and minimising waste
throughout the supply chain will be a critical issue for fresh produce
supply over the next decade. The Produce Quality Centre (PQC)
combines the technical expertise of both organisations to achieve these
objectives with EMR focused on temperate crops and the University’s
Natural Resources Institute (NRI) on tropical crops, and utilises the
world-class research storage facilities at EMR.
The focus of the PQC is on optimising both
pre-harvest and postharvest factors to improve the storage and quality
of produce throughout the supply chain (i.e. from producer to plate), in
order to increase consumer choice, improve energy and transport
efficiency, improve quality and nutrition, reduce waste and extend
availability.
“At a time when food security is gaining an ever
higher position on the political agenda, it is a great step forward that
these teams can join their considerable forces on common issues”,
commented EMR Chief Executive Prof Peter Gregory. He continued, “By
focussing the widest range of horticultural expertise and post-harvest
research facilities assembled in the UK, we can improve quality and
reduce losses for a wide range of temperate and tropical fruits,
vegetables and cut flowers, develop best practice and troubleshoot
problems in the supply chain.”
Commenting on the launch, Professor Andrew
Westby, Director of NRI, said, “The Natural Resources Institute and East
Malling Research have long shared a strong collaborative working
partnership. This launch today is great recognition that our science,
and the application of that science, has a strong future as we strive to
deliver high quality produce to the consumer over the coming 30 years.”
At the heart of the PQC is the Jim Mount
Building, the UK’s leading controlled atmosphere (CA) research storage
facility, but the collaboration also benefits from a wide range of
state-of-the-art facilities across EMR and the University of Greenwich.
On-going and recent projects at the PQC are
funded by the Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council
(BBSRC), Defra, the agricultural levy bodies and numerous commercial
clients, including most of the major retailers.
Ends
Photographs available:
HRH unveiling PQC plaque
HRH discussing shelf-life work with Mark Else
HRH with Jean Fitzgerald
HRH with Celia Caulcott from BBSRC
For further information and photographs,
please contact:
Ross Newham, Head of Communications
Tel: 01732 843833
Fax: 01732 849067
Email:
ross.newham@emr.ac.uk
Back to Press Releases
13 February 2013
Valentine’s Day – Kent scientists
replicate Kenyan rose growing conditions to improve sustainability
Kenyan rose production is becoming ever more
sustainable with the help of Kent scientists who are using precision
monitoring and water application to reduce irrigation of crops.
The team at East Malling Research (EMR) are
replicating Kenyan winter-growing conditions in glasshouses in Kent,
then using sensors to measure precise soil moisture content around the
plant roots. The researches then monitor the plant physiological
responses to root zone drying – sensors detect photosynthetic rates,
stomatal conductance (CO2 entering, or water exiting, the
leaf via the stomata), leaf and stem extension rate, shoot/water
balance.
Utilising these methods, scientists are
detecting how dry the soil has to become before the roots first send
signals to the plant. Knowledge of this then enables scientists to
schedule irrigation regimes to keep the soil moisture above that level.
EMR Crop Scientist, Dr Mark Else, commented, “By
using water in the most efficient manner, if shortages should arise in
Kenya, crops can still be grown when water is prioritised for both
people and the environment. This project is helping to make rose
production ever more sustainable and to protect the livelihoods of
people of Kenya.”
The result is that 80% water savings are
possible under scientic conditions in some crops with 30-40% water
savings are possible under field production.
Improvements in irrigation water use efficiency
resulting from the implementation of scientifically-derived guidelines
will help to reduce pressure on limited freshwater supplies
to ensure in times of shortage that effects on both the people
and the environment are minimised. This will protect the amazing lakes
in Kenya which are home to millions of breeding Lesser Flamingos (Phoenicopterus
minor).
Funding for this project is coming jointly from
Superflora, Sainsburys and the DFID funded Food Retail Industry
Challenge Fund (FRICH).
Crucially, the deployment of this science is
often producing a final product with even better quality characteristics
such as shelf life.
This is all good news for sending our loved
ones, roses on the 14th Feb!
ENDS
Further information via Ross Newham, EMR Head of
Communications:
01732 523796
07986 512632
ross.newham@emr.ac.uk
Notes to Editors
Researchers at East Malling Research (EMR) in
Kent have long been at the forefront of developing precision irrigation
strategies that are now being rolled-out to the horticultural sector
where strawberry growers are able reduce on-farm water and fertiliser
inputs by 30-40%.
Importantly, yields and quality are being maintained or even increased.
This award-winning science is being widely
viewed by the UK horticultural sector as the way that high-value crops
will need to be grown as water and resource security in the UK and
overseas becomes ever higher up the agenda.
The majority (70%) of roses sold in the UK are
grown in Kenya – as Kenya has the perfect climate for rose production.
This is a vital source of revenue and employment for the people of
Kenya.
Recent studies show that roses grown in Kenya
and air-freighted to the UK have a lower carbon footprint than roses
grown in Europe.
Superflora is implementing a project that seeks
to improve sustainability in the flower industry in East Africa by
developing solutions to the challenges faced by the region and industry.
The project will focus on a range of initiatives to solve environmental,
social and economic challenges through the implementation of applied
research, development of new business models and training.
It is estimated that 60,000 workers are involved
in the floriculture industry just around Lake Naivasha in Kenya. Looking
at the whole of East Africa would reveal that this industry is a major
employer to the region. The
local conditions ensure that East Africa has a worldwide competitive
advantage in the production of cut flowers. The high altitude leads to
high yields and excellent quality. Climate and geography enables
year-round production and the developed aviation infrastructure ensures
speedy delivery of the finished product to consumers in the UK and
throughout Europe. These strategic competitive advantages provide a
wealth of opportunity for the flower sector to further develop the
production and supply model to the UK retail industry.
Fillers (stems of foliage to go into bouquets
alongside flowers) are a significant group of plant species that are
demanded by the market and suit smallholder flower production.
While smallholder production of filler crops currently exists,
there is little utilisation of this product in the UK. This is mainly
due to the mix of products being produced not being demanded by the UK
market and the quality and consistency of the product not matching the
UK market requirements. The
opportunity therefore exists to develop a new model for smallholder
filler production, building on the competitive advantage this area of
the world has in the production of flowers and the existing supply chain
that is used by large scale businesses that already supply Sainsbury’s.
Other horticultural industries in East Africa
have developed a smallholder model that is both sustainable and
successful. Examples include; vegetables, coffee and tea, all of which
are grown by thousands of smallholders and exported to the UK market.
The flower industry has not been able to replicate this model
successfully for the UK market despite attempts in the past due to lack
of investment, poor quality product and irregular post-harvest
practices. This project will fund a pilot project trialling different
flower types and foliage production by smallholders with the potential
to supply to Sainsbury’s in the UK.
In addition to this, there are increasing
sustainability challenges in the production of flowers in East Africa.
Water availability in the region has been more variable in recent years
due to more unpredictable weather patterns. Therefore any successful
development of smallholder flower production in East Africa will have to
find innovative solutions to using water efficiently.
There is currently little research available
looking at what is the most efficient means of irrigation in terms of
equipment and grower management practice.
The opportunity therefore exists to develop solutions to improve
water efficiency in irrigation of flowers and fillers. The findings of
this research and its application could then be applied to smallholder
flower production as well as large scale flower production.
In order to address the issues and opportunities
highlighted above, the project will be split into four work streams:
1.Improving
water efficiency in large scale flower production
2.Improving
water efficiency in smallholder flower production
3.Development
of smallholder flower production
4.Capacity
building of workers in large scale flower farming
Background information about FRICH
FRICH is a competitive challenge fund that is
funded by UK Department for International Development (DFID) in order to
challenge the private sector to increase Africa to Europe food trade.
FRICH supports innovative projects that improve market access for
African products and aims to raise awareness among European consumers
and expand consumer demand - in the face of concerns over food miles,
environmental conservation, labour standards and food safety. FRICH has
been awarding grants since 2008 and is now in its’ fourth round. The aim
of the funding is to reach and benefit the poorest countries of Africa -
excluding South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya or Egypt. All
food products are eligible i.e. meat, fish and edible oils, fruit and
vegetables and also flowers but not timber, cosmetics or fibres for
textile and clothing
Challenge Funds enable the public sector to
support innovation by sharing risk in testing new business models. They
involve a competitive process through which grants are made to
businesses in response to proposals to overcome a particular challenge.
Challenge Funds enable new public-private partnerships to help combat
poverty and utilise the strengths of the private sector, namely
creativity, innovation, speed of response and delivery capability.
The trade to UK and other European markets can
provide a significant source of income for African smallholder farmers,
agribusinesses and agricultural workers in African countries. FRICH aims
to improve the lives of poor Africans by connecting them to these
markets in an equitable and sustainable way, increasing European imports
of food from countries north of South Africa and south of the Sahara.
Back to Press Releases
The East Malling group of companies, East Malling Trust and East Malling
Research, has appointed Johanna White as Group Financial Director.
Johanna will be responsible for financial management across all the
research, investment, commercial and charitable activities of the
organisation.
Commenting on the appointment, East Malling Trust Chief Executive,
Adrian Padfield, said: “Johanna’s extensive experience across a number
of industries will play an important role in helping us drive our key
objectives and deliver our future plans. It will also helpunderpin the
Trust’s financial support for the vitally important work at East Malling
Research.”
Johanna joins the East Malling Group from Mytime Active, where she was
Financial Director. She is a Certified Accountant with 28 years
experience, the last 18 in senior roles in varioussectors including
leisure, wellbeing, recruitment consultancy, insurance and healthcare.
She has been a Finance Director for more than 11 years.
Johanna White said: “The diversity of commercial and scientific work
being undertaken here will demand strong financial planning and
management - there’s never going to be a dull day.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Metcalf
Director
t: 01892 513033 • m: 07990 574680
Back to Press Releases
EMR launches ‘The
Malling Collection’ of varieties
16 April 2013
For immediate release
East Malling Research (EMR) has today, launched
‘The Malling Collection’ of varieties at an industry conference attended
by HRH The Princess Royal.
‘The Malling Collection’ comprises all EMR
varieties released since 1988, when Her Royal Highness last visited East
Malling, which are currently in commercial use.
“I am delighted to launch ‘The Malling
Collection’ of varieties today. The varietal development activities we
are undertaking here at East Malling are vital as we help growers to
innovate, stay profitable and meet consumer demand for a range of
perennial crops,” said EMR Chief Executive, Professor Peter Gregory. He
added, “I am of the opinion, as is common in the industry, that EMR
should be making much more of the ‘Malling’ name – it is a great asset.
In future, the ‘Malling’ name will be included in all varietal releases
as EMR seeks to raise the awareness of industry and consumers as to
where their food comes from.
The Malling Collection currently comprises 51
varieties released from East Malling including strawberry, raspberry,
hops, rootstocks, ornamentals, bush and stone fruit. The Collection will
change as new varieties are released and supersede older favourites.
Following the launch of The Malling Collection
today, EMR will be developing further media interest including a website
to coincide with Fruit Focus in July.
ENDS
For further information and photographs,
please contact:
Ross Newham, Head of Communications
Tel: 01732 843833
Fax: 01732 849067
Email:
ross.newham@emr.ac.uk
Back to Press Releases
EMR appoints 10 science posts to address
future challenges
16 April 2013
For immediate release
East Malling Research (EMR) has further
strengthened its scientific capabilities following the appointment over
the past 18months of ten new research staff.
The appointments, made with the substantial
support of the East Malling Trust, have broadened the scientific
capability of EMR and, crucially, will push forward the boundaries of
knowledge in a range of topics crucial to horticultural industries.
“As a scientist, I firmly believe that many of
the biggest steps to commercial innovation come about as a consequence
of undertaking science that explores the boundaries of human knowledge,”
commented EMR Chief Executive Professor Peter Gregory. He added, “Since
I arrived at East Malling two years ago we have worked with the Trust to
employ a new cadre of scientists who will bring in latest techniques to
help further many of the challenges facing the horticultural industry as
we address the food security issues of tomorrow.”
The ten new arrivals are Dr Gerard Bishop, a
specialist in post-harvest biochemistry; Dr Edward Dobbs, molecular
biologist; Dr Carole Wagstaff, a post-harvest specialist; Dr Richard
Harrison, a molecular geneticist; Dr Emma Skipper, food-chain
physiologist; Dr Laura Lewis, pathology geneticist; Dr Nichola Harrison,
root molecular biologist; Dr Alessandra Traini a bioinformatician; Dr
Robert Savillle, plant pathologist, and Dr Eleftheria Stavridou, a plant
nutritionist.
ENDS
For further information and photographs,
please contact:
Ross Newham, Head of Communications
Tel: 01732 843833
Fax: 01732 849067
Email:
ross.newham@emr.ac.uk
Back to Press Releases
HRH The
Princess Royal marks 100 years of scientific
excellence at East Malling Research
16 April 2013
For immediate release
HRH The Princess Royal, visited East Malling
Research today, to mark the 100th Anniversary of scientific
excellence and innovation at the Kent-based site.
HRH attended a conference, “Innovation in the
horticultural industry”, before touring the research facilities to hear
about the development of new fruit varieties.
“It has been a huge honour to welcome HRH The
Princess Royal to East Malling Research at this very special event,”
commented EMR Chief Executive Professor Peter Gregory. He added, “This
is our first public event to mark the Centenary of scientific progress
and innovation here at East Malling. From its inception on 1 March 1913,
East Malling has focussed on the research needs of the fruit-growing
industry and provided the consumer with greater choice, year-round
supply, and an ability to produce fruit at home in small modern gardens.
The scientific achievements from EMR have shaped the UK countryside and
the way that fruit is grown throughout the world.”
In its Centenary year EMR is committed to rising
to the ‘Food Security’ challenge that will see a global population
heading towards 10 billion people in the next 35 years, an increasing
affluence of that population which means that they eater a richer diet
including more meat. Significant issues, such as climate change and
variability, issues of water and energy security, pressures on land use
and environmental considerations will also demand that food production
will need to keep abreast of all future scientific innovations.
HRH The Princess Royal
last visited the research centre, owned by the East Malling Trust, in
1988 when she planted a Manna Ash to mark the site’s 75th
Anniversary. Today, HRH planted a
Sorbus hupehensis
'Pink Pagoda' to mark EMR’s Centenary.
ENDS
For further information and photographs,
please contact:
Ross Newham, Head of Communications
Tel: 01732 843833
Fax: 01732 849067
Email:
ross.newham@emr.ac.uk
Back to Press Releases
18 April 2013
BRADBOURNE
HOUSE AND GARDENS TO OPEN FOR CHARITY
28 April 2013
2-5pm
The East Malling Trust, owners of Bradbourne
House are offering one of the few opportunities in 2013 for the public
to view this splendid Grade 1 listed house and its grounds, including
the Hatton Fruit Garden. This is the 33rd year that the
Hatton Garden has been opened for the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).
The predominant feature of the Hatton Fruit
Garden, inspired by the fruit plantings in Louis XIV kitchen garden at
Versailles, is the use of pruning and training to achieve the widest
range of fruit tree forms in the country. It includes
cordons, pyramids and espaliers and variants of these basic forms:
oblique and vertical cordons,
cordon arches, double 'U' cordons, step-over, goblet, crown, arcure, le
bateau, winged pyramid. In fact, 25 different training methods are
on display. In addition, there are examples of 47 varieties of
apple, 28 varieties of pear and individuals of medlar, nectarine, peach
and fig. Experts from nearby world-renowned East Malling Research, which
is celebrating its centenary in 2013, will be on hand to give advice on
how to create these forms.
Originally planted in 1945, the garden was
established to show the economic use of ground, without over-crowding.
Although selective tree removal and replanting has occurred, many
examples of the original remain. The garden continues to evolve and
recent plantings will help to demonstrate how the different tree forms
are produced. New plantings of apples include examples of varieties
produced by the breeders at East Malling Research.
The Hatton Garden is also now a venue for short
courses on pruning offered by East Malling Short Courses
(http://www.emr.ac.uk/EMSCs.htm).
Bradbourne House displays excellent examples of
Queen Anne period architecture disguising an original Tudor period
house, with fine rooms, halls, staircases and a unique collection of
watercolours and portraits.
The Mid-Kent Beekeepers are planning to supply
attractions for visitors including apiary visits, candle rolling, candle
dipping and honey sales.
There will also be science exhibits, plant and
produce sales and refreshments.
All gate receipts and contributions from plant
and produce sales are donated to the NGS and many thousands of pounds
have been raised to benefit its charities over the years.
Admission £3.50. Children (under 16) free.
Entrance on New Road, East Malling, Kent off the A20.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Ursula Twomey, Telephone 01732 843833, e-mail
ursula.twomey@emr.ac.uk
For more information on Bradbourne House and
Gardens visit
www.bradbournehousekent.co.uk
For more information on the National Gardens
Scheme, view www.ngs.org.uk
Photographs of plantings in Hatton Garden are
available on request.
Back to Press Releases
22 May 2013
Chelsea Flower Show
celebrates century of scientific
excellence
As part of its centenary celebrations, East Malling Research has been
awarded a prestigious Silver Gilt Flora medal by the Royal Horticulture
Society at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, which is also enjoying its
100th anniversary.
The Fruit of the Tree exhibit was sponsored by East Malling Trust, the
UK’s largest independent funder of horticultural research. The exhibit
celebrates the role that East Malling Research (EMR) in improving the
global productivity of fruit trees, and the importance of scientific
study to securing a sustainable food chain.
At the centre of the EMR’s presence at the Chelsea Flower Show is a
fully-grown, excavated apple tree displaying all its root system to
visitors of the Grand Pavilion. The exhibit celebrates 100 years of
research at EMR and demonstrates the role that rootstocks play in
controlling the size and improving the productivity of fruit trees.
Commenting on the medal, Chairman of East Malling Trust, Will Sibley
said: “The scientific work undertaken over the last century at EMR, and
in particular its work on rootstocks, has transformed the productivity
of the world’s fruit industry.
“Given that EMR and Chelsea were both celebrating their centenaries it
was only right that we should highlight the vital role that science
plays in the health of our food chain to such an esteemed audience.
“At a time when we need to make the public more aware of the role
scientific research plays in the food they eat, what better way to
demonstrate the positive connection than by showing them how an apple
tree actually functions.”
EMR’s rootstocks research transformed the way that fruit trees are grown
in gardens and commercial orchards around the world. The M9 and M26
rootstocks, which produce semi-dwarf trees, are two of the most widely
grown rootstocks in the world.
During the show, EMR's Chief Executive, Professor Peter Gregory
announced the award of a major grant from the government’s Biotechnology
and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The grant will fund
the continued root research by using EMR’s unique underground
laboratory, which will now be re-equipped to study root growth of modern
apple trees and the flow of carbon into the soils.
Professor Peter Gregory said: “We are delighted to have won such a
prestigious medal at Chelsea and to be able to show gardeners how our
research has brought them practical benefits. There is a great deal of
important science needed, such as the work that will be funded by BBSRC,
if we are to address the country’s future food security.”
The Fruit of the Tree exhibit features research using modern
instrumentation to control water and nutrient use by trees. The display
also highlights the origins of wild apple (Malus) species in
central Asia and poses some questions about possible returns to that
region in search of further beneficial genes in the apple species
growing there.
EMR’s exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show was visited by Owen Paterson,
Secretary of State for Defra; Lord Heseltine, and celebrity visitors,
and also hosted a reception by Smiths Gore, the leading rural land and
property advisers.
ENDS
--
Andrew Metcalf
Director
Maxim PR
t: 01892 513033 • m: 07990 574680
Back to Press Releases
21 May 2013

A century of scientific
excellence topped by new research facility
The visually striking East Malling Research
(EMR) exhibit ‘Fruit of the Tree’ at the Chelsea Flower Show (GPF21) has
a fully grown, excavated apple tree displaying all its root system at
its centre. It celebrates 100
years of research at EMR and demonstrates the role of rootstocks in
controlling the size and productivity of fruit trees.
EMR is famous for its research into rootstocks
which have transformed the way trees are grown in gardens and commercial
orchards around the world. The M9 and M26 rootstocks which produce
semi-dwarf trees are two of the most widely grown rootstocks in the
world.
EMR's Chief Executive and member of the RHS
Council, Professor Peter Gregory said, "We are delighted to be
exhibiting at Chelsea and showing gardeners how our research has brought
them practical benefits. There is a great deal of important science
needed if we are to address future food security and I am pleased to
announce the award of a major grant from the Biotechnology and
Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). This will enable us to
continue our research on roots in our unique underground root laboratory
which will be re-equipped to study root growth of modern apple trees and
the flow of carbon into the soil".
EMR's ‘Fruit of the Tree’ exhibit at Chelsea is
proudly sponsored by the East Malling Trust, the UK’s largest private
funder of horticultural research, and features research using modern
instrumentation to control water and nutrient use by trees. The display
also highlights the origins of wild apple (Malus) species in central Asia and poses some questions about
possible returns to that region in search of further beneficial species.
ENDS
Ross Newham, Head of
Communications, Chelsea Flower Show F21 in the Grand Pavillion. Tel
07700 690911.

David Bellamy visits EMR's stand
at the Chelsea Flower Show 2013
Back to Press Releases
24 May 2013
Precision approach to protecting strawberries developed using
bumble bees
Scientists at ADAS and
East Malling Research have come up with a novel way of using bumble bees
to deliver minute quantities of bio-fungicide to strawberry flowers.
Grey mould (Botrytis
cinerea) is a very damaging disease to strawberry crops worldwide.
Symptomless infections can develop in strawberry flowers and cause
fungal growth on fruit as they ripen and after picking. Control
currently consists of careful management and conventional crop
protection products applied to flowers to protect against infection.
ADAS and East Malling
Research, (as part of a five year Strawberry HortLINK project sponsored
by Defra and funded by HDC and industry representatives) have been
testing a novel approach to grey mould control using bumble bee
pollinator hives which are already commonly introduced to commercial
strawberry crops to ensure good pollination.
The experimental
approach (not yet approved in the UK)
involves the bees moving through a specially designed dispenser which
fits into the hive. As the bees move through the dispenser a
minute quantity of a powdered formulation of the bio-fungicide
containing Gliocladium catenulatum adheres to their bodies and
legs. As they leave the hive and begin pollinating they transfer
the powder directly to the flowers, allowing a very precise application
of this bio-fungicide throughout flowering. The bio-fungicide,
which is itself a fungus, competes for living space with the grey mould
on the flower parts, preventing the latent flower infection which causes
the fruit to rot.
Harriet Roberts,
ADAS project manager said, “During the last two years of field trials
this harmless bee-delivered control system was demonstrated to be a
practical alternative to fungicide applications and regularly achieved
levels of grey mould control equivalent to areas treated with fungicides
while significantly decreasing any residue left on the fruit itself.”
Data from this
HortLINK project and ongoing trials in Finland and Belgium,
where this technique is already being adopted will be used to support an
application for pesticide registration of this fungicide dispersed by
bees in the UK.
ADAS hopes to carry out further trials to develop this novel strategy
further.
Ends
For
more information please contact:
Richard
Kay
Admiral
PR
0161
249 1959
richard.kay@admiralpr.com
About the HortLINK
project and integrated pest disease management programme
The pest and disease
management (IPDM) programme for commercial strawberry production was
been developed by ADAS in collaboration with East Malling Research as
part of a five year Strawberry LINK project (HL0191) sponsored by Defra
and funded by HDC and industry representatives. In the final two years
of this extensive five year project aspects of this IPDM programme have
been taken out and trialled on commercial farms. It incorporates:
pheromone trapping systems, biological control introductions, disease
forecasting models and the use of bees to disperse a bio-fungicide for
strawberry grey mould control, all with the aim of reducing overall
conventional crop protection product applications to strawberries and
therefore minimising potential trace residues on fruit.
About ADAS
ADAS is a national
agricultural and environmental consultancy, concerned with two major
issues of our time: securing food supply and enhancing the environment.
It provides rural development and policy advice
and consultancy and contracting services to a wide range of
organisations in both the private and public sectors. The Group bridges
the link between policy and technical understanding and on the ground
activities.
ADAS is independent of, but fully understands government and commercial needs, the
agricultural industry and farmers. Its expertise is based on evidence,
underpinned by science, with its core disciplines focused on balancing
profitable production with minimum environmental impact, reducing waste,
water and energy use to ensure future sustainability.
Through enVar (www.envar.co.uk),
the Group’s waste management and recycling company, it provides
innovative solutions that deliver value and profit from a range of
organic waste materials.
Through REsolved Renewables (www.re-solved.co.uk),
part of the ADAS Group, profitable renewable energy projects are
delivered for the agricultural industry.
ADAS Group has over
600 staff covering more than 60 specialisms, operating from a network of
offices and research sites in England, Scotland
and Wales.
For more information
see:
http://www.adas.co.uk and
http://aplus.adas.co.uk.
About East Malling Research
East Malling Research (EMR) is an independent
provider of top-class research, development and consultancy serving the
food chain and other sectors of the land-based industry. EMR's mission
is to conduct high quality strategic and applied research in
horticultural and environmental sciences, and to deliver knowledge,
products and services that benefit public and private customers. EMR's
team of scientists integrate their knowledge of breeding and molecular
genetics, genomics, pest and disease biology and management, crop and
post-harvest physiology, agronomy, environmental science, food product
development and consumer research, to address current industry issues
and deliver innovative solutions particularly applied to:
•
Food
•
Environment
•
Non-food crops & products
EMR's portfolio encompasses projects that vary
in size and scope. Customers include: Defra, TSB, commercial companies,
EU, retailers, growers, levy bodies and Research Councils.
For more information, visit:
www.emr.ac.uk
Back to Press Releases
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