AWARD WINNING, NEW MIDGE SEX PHEROMONE RESEARCH
ON DISPLAY AT THE NATIONAL FRUIT SHOW 20-21 OCTOBER

The discovery of the apple leaf midge sex pheromone by scientists at East Malling Research (EMR) and the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), will be highlighted on East Malling Research's stand at the National Fruit Show.

Jerry Cross and Mike Solomon will be on hand at stand K52 to discuss the findings and applications of midge, bug and aphid pheromone research at EMR.

The collaborative project between EMR and NRI which led to the discovery of the apple leaf midge sex pheromone has led to the subsequent discovery of two further midge pheromones for blackcurrant leaf midge and raspberry cane midge.

For their initial discovery, the collaborators have recently won the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers' prestigious Environmental Achievement award in the "Research and Development" category.

Jerry Cross of EMR and David Hall of NRI will be presented with their award sponsored by Waitrose, at a ceremony in the Mansion House on Friday 22^nd October (press release to follow).

***ENDS***

Notes:

East Malling Research (EMR) is an independent provider of research and consultancy serving the food chain from and other sectors of the land-based industry. EMR builds on 90 years of experience of successfully transferring information that has transformed horticulture.

For further information please contact:
Ursula Twomey, Information Officer, East Malling Research
E-mail: ursula.twomey@emr.ac.uk
 

Jerry Cross, Scientist, East Malling Research
E-mail: jerry.cross@emr.ac.uk
 

Tel: 01732 843833
Fax: 01732 849067

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26 October 2004

EMR SCIENTISTS AND NRI COLLABORATOR WIN
ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Jerry Cross of East Malling Research (EMR), Dr David Hall of the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) and Paul Innocenzi (EMR/NRI) have won the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers' prestigious award for Environmental Achievement, for their discovery of the apple leaf midge sex pheromone. 

 The sex pheromone (a chemical attractant produced by the female) of this  damaging pest, represents a new group of pheromone structures which could not have been discovered by random screening. It is exceptionally active and is effective for pest monitoring by growers. In the future, a formulated product could be used for control by mating disruption, mass trapping or lure and kill.

The scientists beat off stiff competition by other researchers in the "Research and Development" category to claim their prize, a cheque for ś2000 and an engraved cut-glass crystal fruit bowl. The award, sponsored by Waitrose, was presented on Friday 22^nd October at a ceremony at Mansion House by The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Robert Finch.

The apple leaf midge midge (Dasineura mali Kieffer) is a serious pest of apples, especially in the nursery and in young orchards during establishment. The midge causes leaf curling galls and stunted growth which adversely affect fruit size and cropping the following year. It is difficult to control with conventional insecticides.

Past Master Tony Redsell, Chairman of the Judging Panel for this year's Competition, expressed delight at the opportunity of giving prominence to this important scientific discovery.

This is the second year in a row that scientists from East Malling Research have won this award. In 2003, Drs Peter Darby and Colin Campbell had the winning entry for their project on breeding of a dwarf hop suitable for organic production.

***ENDS***

Notes for Editors:

1. East Malling Research (EMR) is an independent provider of research and consultancy serving the food chain from and other sectors of the land-based industry. EMR builds on 90 years of experience of successfully transferring information that has transformed horticulture.

2.     The joint EMR/NRI project was sponsored by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, East Malling Trust for Horticultural Research and the Horticultural Development Council.

For further information please contact:

Jerry Cross, East Malling Research (from Thursday 28^th)
E-mail: jerry.cross@emr.ac.uk
Tel: 01732 843833

*********

Prof. David Hall, Natural Resources Institute
E-mail: D.R.Hall@greenwich.ac.uk
Tel: 01634 883207

*********

Lieutenant Colonel LG French, Clerk Fruiterers' Company
E-mail: clerk@fruiterers.org.uk
Tel: 01985 850682; Fax: 01985 850169

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29 October 2004

QTS ANALYTICAL AND EAST MALLING RESEARCH CREATE SINGLE ANALYTICAL
CHEMISTRY CENTRE

East Malling Research (EMR) has taken a 25% share in QTS Analytical, a pesticide residue testing company, creating a single analytical chemistry centre at EMR.  The investment takes for the form of cash and placement of new equipment enabling QTS Analytical to continue its rapid expansion.

QTS Analytical, through new technology, is able to offer a standard five day turn-around pesticide residue testing service compared with the industry standard of 10 days.  QTS Analytical also offers a same day service for time critical products.

Steve Gardner, QTS Analytical's founder, says: "The Company has expanded rapidly over the past six months and EMR's investment will enable this continued growth and increase our analytical capability.  We also welcome the backing and expertise of a well respected horticultural research establishment such as EMR."

Colin Gutteridge, chief executive of East Malling Research adds: "EMR is seeking further opportunities to get involved in the provision of near market services to the horticultural industry.  QTS Analytical has an excellent business model with tested technology behind it and we are delighted to be able to support it." 

QTS Analytical's technology can be applied to testing pesticides in fresh produce, in tea, other food products, in soils, in water and in providing environmental analysis.  The company has applied for a patent on its new technology and has been granted UKAS accreditation for testing fresh produce.

QTS Analytical has been nurtured from inception at the Enterprise Hub at East Malling, Kent.  QTS Analytical won a research and development grant for the concept and to help fund the development of the technology.

***ENDS***

Notes for Editors

East Malling Research (EMR) is an independent provider of research and consultancy serving the food chain and other sectors of the land-based industry. EMR builds on 90 years of experience of successfully transferring information that has transformed horticulture.

For more information contact:

Steve Gardner, QTS Analytical
Tel: 01732 876705
E: steve@qtsanalytical.com

Ursula Twomey, East Malling Research
Tel: 01732 843833
E:  Ursula.Twomey@emr.ac.uk

Matt Baldwin, Coast Communications
Tel: 01233 721597
E: matt@coastcommunications.co.uk

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9 November 2004

EAST MALLING RESEARCH APPLE VARIETY 'SATURN' LAUNCHED AS BRITISH LIBRARY TREE OF KNOWLEDGE

To celebrate their new "Writer in the Garden" exhibition, the British Library has rebranded an East Malling Research (EMR) apple variety as their Tree of Knowledge.

The British Library has teamed up with EMR, Will Sibley Nurseries and Marshalls to supply the Tree of Knowledge to visitors who would like a long-term reminder of the exhibition.

'Saturn' was chosen as a suitable variety because it is easy to grow, and its high level of disease resistance, good quality fruit, compact habit and heavy cropping make it an ideal garden plant. The British Library intends to include the Tree of Knowledge in a garden to be planted in front of the library next year.

Dr Mike Solomon, Director of Science at East Malling Research commented "We are delighted to be part of this exciting collaboration that sees an East Malling variety chosen as the British Library Tree of Knowledge. The use of one of our varieties aptly reflects our historical and current remit as a knowledge-based organisation and we are confident that 'Saturn' will make an excellent reminder of a visit to this very interesting "Writer in the Garden" exhibition".

The "Writers in the Garden" exhibition covers the rich history of ideas associated with the garden from the middle ages to the present day. It is a free event and runs from 5 November 2004 until 10 April 2005 at the British Library, Pearson Gallery, St Pancras.

***ENDS***

Notes for Editors:

1. East Malling Research (EMR) is an independent provider of research and consultancy serving the perennial horticulture industry. EMR builds on 90 years of experience of successfully transferring information that has transformed horticulture. For further information about EMR please see www.eastmallingresearch.com

2. For further information about the British Library and its exhibitions please see www.bl.uk

3. The apple breeding programme at East Malling Research is funded by Defra and the Apple and Pear Breeding Club.

4. Attached jpeg shows picture of variety 'Saturn'. Available from Ursula Twomey, EMR.

 For further information please contact:
Ursula Twomey, Information Officer, East Malling Research
Tel: 01732 843833
Fax: 01732 849067
E-mail: ursula.twomey@emr.ac.uk

  Catriona Finlayson, Senior Press Officer, British Library
Tel: 020 7412 7115
Fax: 020 7412 7168
E-mail: catriona.finlayson@bl.uk

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15 November 2004

BREAKTHROUGH IN MOLECULAR GENETICS OF STRAWBERRY

The world's first molecular map for wild strawberry (Fragaria) constructed using transferable DNA markers has been produced by scientists at East Malling Research (EMR) in association with collaborators at the University of Reading.

This work is a breakthrough in strawberry genetic research and has already been adopted as the reference map by strawberry research groups in Spain, France and the USA. It offers the potential for further  international collaboration, leading towards the integration of strawberry genetic research worldwide.

This wild strawberry map will provide a foundation for the development of a map for the genetically complex commercial strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). This in turn will lead to greater efficiencies in strawberry breeding, ultimately achieved through the integration of molecular techniques like marker assisted selection, already successfully used in apple breeding at EMR.

Wild strawberry plants from a cross between Fragaria vesca (the woodland strawberry) and Fragaria nubicola (a wild Asian strawberry), provided a model system for studying inheritance.  Apart from their simpler genetic make-up relative to cultivated strawberry and production of three generations per year, the two species also differ widely in traits potentially important for strawberry breeding e.g. fruit size, runnering, everbearing, plant architecture and aromatic composition (flavour). So far 67 DNA markers and 23 genes controlling characteristics of potential commercial importance have been located on the map, providing a framework for future work.

According to their Technical Director, Dr Alwyn Thompson, "The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers is delighted that this innovative science project which we have supported, has achieved so much for the advantage of the strawberry industry. We congratulate those involved at EMR and Reading University on producing this genetic map for Fragaria (a real breakthrough) and look forward to seeing new improved, market-leading varieties as a result of the project."

This work will be displayed on EMR's stand at the Soft Fruit Conference where David Simpson will be available to answer questions.

Photograph 1 shows Fragaria vesca and F. nubicola; Photographs 2 and 3 show the 7 linkage groups of the Fragaria wild strawberry molecular map

***ENDS***

Notes for Editors:

1. East Malling Research (EMR) is an independent provider of research and consultancy serving the perennial horticulture industry. EMR builds on 90 years of experience of successfully transferring information that has transformed horticulture. For further information about EMR please see www.eastmallingresearch.com

2. The University of Reading is a globally renowned research and teaching institution with around 15,000 students and 4,000 staff. It is one of the top 20 research universities in the UK. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, 15 departments were awarded an RAE rating of 5, and five departments were designated the very top rating of 5*. The University consistently achieves well in the National Quality Assurance Agency teaching standards assessments, with many departments scoring 23 or 24 points, out of the 24. For further information about the School of Plant Sciences please see www.plantsci.rdg.ac.uk

3. This work was originally funded by the University of Reading Research Endowment Fund, the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers and East Malling Trust for Horticultural Research. Research is continuing with funding from Defra.

4. A molecular map is a representation of the position of genes on a chromosome.

5. Wild strawberry is diploid, plants having two copies of every chromosome; Cultivated strawberry is octoploid, plants having eight copies of every chromosome.

6. Soft Fruit Conference runs from 23-24^th November at the Ashford International Hotel. E-mail jean.hodges@emr.ac.uk for details.

For further information please contact:
David Simpson, Research Scientist, East Malling Research (Tue 16^th, Wed 17^th Nov.)
Tel: 01732 523744
E-mail: david.simpson@emr.ac.uk

Professor Nick Battey, School of Plant Sciences, The University of Reading
Tel: 0118 9316441
Email: n.h.battey@reading.ac.uk

Ursula Twomey, Information Officer, East Malling Research
Tel: 01732 523723
E-mail: ursula.twomey@emr.ac.uk

Craig Hillsley, Press Officer, The University of Reading
Tel: 0118 3787388
Email: c.hillsley@rdg.ac.uk

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18 November 2004

HELP REQUIRED TO SEARCH FOR THE BEST UK BROADLEAF TIMBER TREES

Scientists at East Malling Research (EMR) are appealing to landowners and the public to help locate outstanding, mature examples ('plus' trees) of oak, ash, black walnut, common walnut, sweet chestnut, and large stands of high quality sycamore.

Such 'plus' trees will form the parental material in a programme for improvement of broadleaf trees for farm woodlands run in association with the British and Irish Hardwoods Improvement Programme, for which trees of the highest quality are essential. 

The best of these trees will be used to create seed orchards, to provide UK seed from good quality parents of known origin, to the UK nursery industry. This model has been successfully applied by EMR to wild cherry, resulting among other achievements, in the establishment of regional seed orchards and the release of the Wildstar^TM collection.

Trees should be 50 years or more old, of UK origin and with excellent timber characteristics - clean, straight cylindrical trunk, vigorous growth, wide branching angle, light branching and freedom from pests and diseases.

If you feel you have very high quality examples of any of these species or know where they are located, then please contact us at East Malling Research at the number below, so that we can arrange to visit, assess the trees and collect graftwood for propagation where appropriate.  Your response would be appreciated by January 2005.

Please contact Karen Russell or John Tattersall at EMR, New Road, East Malling, Kent ME19 6BJ.  Tel: 01732 843833; Fax: 01732 849067; Email: karen.russell@emr.ac.uk; john.tattersall@emr.ac.uk

***ENDS***

Notes for Editors:

1. East Malling Research (EMR) is an independent provider of research and consultancy serving the perennial horticulture industry. EMR builds on 90 years of experience of successfully transferring information that has transformed horticulture. www.eastmallingresearch.com

2. A very rough calculation for estimating tree age can be made from:

1 cm diameter of circumference = 1 year of growth

3. Graftwood is one year old shoots. Five-six per tree are usually collected.

For further information please contact:

Ursula Twomey
Information Officer, East Malling Research
E-mail: ursula.twomey@emr.ac.uk
Tel: 01732 523723

Karen Russell
Research Scientist, East Malling Research
Email: karen.russell@emr.ac.uk
Tel: 01732 523743

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29 November 2004

DIARY DATE
BRADBOURNE HOUSE AND HATTON FRUIT GARDEN OPEN DAY
24 APRIL 2005

Bradbourne House and, for the 25^th successive year, its gardens, including Hatton Fruit Garden, at East Malling in Kent will be open to the public on Sunday, 24 April from 2-5pm in support of the National Gardens Scheme. 

This privately owned, Grade 1 listed, Tudor period house with its fine rooms, halls, staircases and unique collection of watercolours and portraits, will host interactive displays by scientists from East Malling Research plus children's activities, music and refreshments.

The Hatton Fruit Garden consists of demonstration fruit tree plantings of particular interest to amateurs.  Staff from East Malling Research will show how the fruit trees have been grown, trained and pruned to produce cordons and espaliers and the more unusual goblets, pyramids, fans, arches, crowns, le bateau and arcure forms.

Admission ś3.00.  Children (under 16) free.  Entrance on New Road, East Malling, Kent off the A20.

*****ENDS*****

Notes for Editors:

East Malling Research (EMR) is an independent provider of research and consultancy serving the perennial horticulture industry. EMR builds on 90 years of experience of successfully transferring information that has transformed horticulture. www.eastmallingresearch.com

For further information please contact:

Ursula Twomey, Information Officer, East Malling Research

Tel: 01732 523723
Fax: 01732 849067
E-mail: ursula.twomey@emr.ac.uk

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20 December 2004

TRANSBORDER CONFERENCE ON ORGANIC APPLE GROWING

TO BE HELD AT EAST MALLING RESEARCH

East Malling Research will host a transborder French/British conference entitled "Organic Apples: from production to marketing", on 3^rd February 2005 at the East Malling Conference Centre.

In the morning speakers from Britain and France at this EU Interreg 3A-sponsored event, will cover apple cultivars suitable for organic production, integrated pest management, soil fertility and the impacts of soil water availability on plant development.  In the afternoon session, British and French growers and marketers will relate their experiences in their respective areas. This will be followed by a general discussion and exchange of ideas.

The event costs ś10 including lunch.  Details of the programme are available on the East Malling Research website at www.eastmallingresearch.com.

For more details and a booking form please contact either Jean Fitzgerald or Ursula Twomey at East Malling Research, New Road, East Malling, Kent ME19 6BJ;

Tel: 01732 843833, Fax: 01732 849067 or e-mail: jean.fitzgerald@emr.ac.uk

***ENDS***

Notes for Editors:

1. East Malling Research (EMR) is an independent provider of research and consultancy serving the perennial horticulture industry. EMR builds on 90 years of experience of successfully transferring information that has transformed horticulture. www.eastmallingresearch.com
2. INTERREG 3A is an EU funding programme which aims to stimulate co-operation between regions divided by an international border.
3. Project partners are Groupement des Agriculteurs Biologiques due Nord Pas de Calais (GABNOR) and F‚d‚ration R‚gionale de D‚fence contre les Organismes Nuisibles (FREDON).

 For further information please contact:

Jean Fitzgerald
Tel: 01732 523758
Fax: 01732 849067
Email: jean.fitzgerald@emr.ac.uk

 Ursula Twomey (Monday 20^th and Tuesday 21^st December only)
Tel: 01732 523723
Fax: 01732 849067
Email: ursula.twomey@emr.ac.uk

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