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 32^nd 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.

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:

• Simon Robinson or Andrew Metcalf, Maxim. Tel: 01892 513033

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

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:

For further information, or to visit and arrange an interview, please contact:

·         Simon Robinson or Andrew Metcalf, Maxim. Tel: 01892 513033

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 

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

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

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

 

 

25 February 2013     New appointment at East Malling

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 

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

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 100^th 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 75^th Anniversary. Today, HRH planted a Sorbus hupehensis 'Pink Pagoda' to mark EMR’s Centenary.

ENDS

For further information and photographs, please contact:

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 33^rd 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 100^th 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 

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

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.”