NEWS & ARTICLES
UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE
"John Owen, a member of the CUPGRA Student Network, alongside three other students from Harper Adams University will compete in University Challenge on BBC at 8.30pm.
This is the first time that Harper Adams has been on University Challenge. Good luck John!"
2 day conference at Robinson College, Grange Rd, Cambridge CB3 9AN with Christmas Banquet in honour of the Noble Potato at St John's College dining hall.
Virtual Nematology Conference 2025
Thu 13 Nov|
on the virtual platform Gathertown.
This is a bi-annual, virtual conference for early career researchers (group leaders are welcome to attend but abstract submission is limited to students / postdocs). In 2023 we had 413 registrations from 68 countries! Registration is open now (QR link to register) and until the 10th of September.
CUPGRA JUNE
Members Day
@ Sophi Taylor Building
CUPGRA AUGUST
Members Day
@ Sophi Taylor Building
British Potato Industry Event
Wednesday and Thursday
@ Great Yorkshire, Showground, Harrogate HG2 8NZ, UK
After the successful launch of the new technical guide on PCN, “A Guide for Managing PCN in Great Britain,” to members, GB Potatoes and CUPGRA have now released a free industry wide factsheet to summarise the key points in the main guide.
This concise practical resource aims to support everyone in the potato industry to improve their understanding of PCN, its management and control. This factsheet is freely available to download from both organisations’ websites.
Scott Walker, CEO of GB Potatoes said: “Managing PCN is a challenge for the entire industry and requires collective understanding and effort. This factsheet presents vital information in an accessible format, and we hope that it will be distributed far and wide.”
David Almond, Director of CUPGRA added that “When we designed this factsheet the intention was to make the incredibly technical subject of PCN, more accessible. We see it as a useful tool to remind everyone of the important steps that can be used to help reduce the problem, from field operatives to technical managers in the supply chain.”
The factsheet will be downloadable from both organisations’ websites and hard copies will be made available at the British Potato Event in Harrogate on the 19th and 20th of November, as well as at other events such as Potatoes in Practice in August.
To get your factsheet, visit https://www.gb-potatoes.co.uk/ or https://www.cupgra.com/
Both organisations would like to thank Gerard Croft for his assistance in compiling this factsheet.
The factsheet has been compiled using information from the full PCN guide “A Guide for Managing PCN in Great Britain” which is available to members of GB Potatoes and CUPGRA via their websites.
For further information contact Graham Bannister at GB Potatoes, gb@grahambannister.co.uk or David Almond at CUPGRA, da@davidalmondac.co.uk
Notes.
CUPGRA, with over 40 years of supporting research and knowledge exchange in potatoes, and GB Potatoes, a unifying voice for the GB potato sector, are committed to ensuring the industry has access to the tools and knowledge it needs to thrive.
This guide addresses the growing challenges posed by PCN in potatoes, offering a comprehensive, science-based approach to their management. The guide provides clear, practical recommendations that integrate various pest control methods, including cultural practices, biological controls, chemical treatments, and resistance management through varietal choice, while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Get ready for an incredible journey! Beanstalk Global, in collaboration with CUPGRA, the powerhouse that delivers cutting edge output focused Potato Research, is thrilled to announce an epic filming and photography tour across the UK, diving deep into the heart of the potato sector. From the rich soils of family-run farms to cutting-edge processing facilities, we’ll uncover the stories behind the UK’s most-loved crop.
This isn’t just a tour — it’s a celebration of the innovation, hard work, and passion that power the potato industry. We’ll be hitting the road to shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals driving this £4 billion sector, capturing the behind-the-scenes magic from field to fork.
Join us as we meet the farmers, producers, and industry pioneers who are shaping the future of the UK potato industry. Stay tuned — you won’t want to miss this!
Why Potatoes?
Beanstalk Global is launching a UK potato filming and photography tour to showcase the vital role that the potato sector plays in British agriculture and the wider food industry. The UK potato sector is a powerhouse, producing around 5 million tonnes of potatoes annually, with a market value exceeding £1 billion. Over 2,500 farms grow potatoes across the UK, supported by a vast network of processors, distributors, and retailers.
This sector not only provides a staple food source but also supports tens of thousands of jobs — from farmers and agronomists to logistics and sales teams. By documenting this dynamic industry on a motorbike tour, Beanstalk Global aims to highlight the scale, innovation, and dedication behind UK potatoes — and to tell the personal stories of the people and businesses driving its success.
Why CUPGRA?
We’re proud to partner with CUPGRA for this groundbreaking project. CUPGRA unites UK potato industry stakeholders to deliver valuable research output that individual members can’t conduct alone. It funds independent research with clear deliverables to inform management practices and give members access to the latest potato research.
By working with CUPGRA, we’re not only showcasing the incredible work happening across the UK potato sector — we’re also highlighting the cutting-edge research and innovation that is driving the industry forward. This collaboration ensures that the tour will not only capture the human stories behind the sector but also the science and strategy that underpin its success.
What to Expect
Root to Plate: Exploring the UK Potato Sector with Beanstalk Global and CUPGRA. - Beanstalk Global
AFN Network+ Online Workshop on Land Use Framework and just transition
Monday 14th April, 1:00 - 2:30pm
The UK Government is developing a Land Use Framework for England to guide how land is managed and used – balancing demands like farming, housing, climate, biodiversity, and nature recovery. But as the push for Net Zero and land use change gathers pace, it’s vital that this transition is fair, inclusive, and doesn’t leave anyone behind.
This workshop, hosted by AFN Network+, will contribute to a collective response to the Government’s open consultation. We’ll explore how to ensure the Land Use Framework supports a just transition – one that works for everyone, especially those who are too often overlooked in these conversations.
We’re particularly keen to hear from:
-
Smallholder farmers
-
Tenant farmers
-
New entrants and community growers
-
Rural communities and land-based workers
As well as researchers, policymakers, and others across the agri-food and land use sectors
Together, we’ll explore:
-
What evidence is needed to support a fair and effective land strategy
-
How land use principles should be shaped and delivered in practice
-
The scale and speed of land use change
-
What support is needed to make these changes possible – and fair
Your insights will help shape AFN Network+’s formal submission to the Government’s consultation on the Land Use Framework.
We warmly welcome all voices, whether you manage a few acres or many, work the land or shape the policy.
Click here for About Directors and Committee Members
Please meet the Directors of the CUPGRA Community Interest Company
Sophie Bambridge
David Almond
James Lee
Debbie Winstanley
Jack Smith
Andy Gill
Elizabeth Stockdale
CUPGRA Sub-Committees
Advisory Board
R&D Sub-Committe
KE and Conference Sub-Committee
Executive Committee
Click here for minutes of meetings
Admin & Finance Committee
Dr Sarah Roberts - Niab and Max MacGillivray - Beanstalk Global introduce the CUPGRA Student Network – Pre-Event Broadcast Investigating Cutting-Edge Potato Research Being Carried out Across the UK.
Please Click link - https://beanstalk.global/2024/11/20/cupgra-pre-event-broadcast-investigating-cutting-edge-potato-research-being-carried-out-across-the-uk-by-cupgra-student-network/
To watch the Beanstalk video of the CUPGRA PhD Students presenting their research.
This is in preparation for their Session - Connecting research to reality with the CUPGRA Student Network at the CUPGRA Conference on Wednesday 11 December at 12 Noon.
Meet the 2024 Conference Speakers
Tom Eyles
Tom Eyles – Potato Agronomist (Greenvale – Produce Solutions)
Brought up on a small, family sheep farm in Cornwall, where a small amount of land was often rented out for potatoes and vegetables, before gaining a First Class (hons) degree in Agriculture with Crop Management. Joined Produce Solutions upon graduation in June 2022, as a trainee agronomist, covering both agronomy (fresh and processing crops) and trials (becoming involved in commercial agrochemical trials, breeder trials and an IUK-funded project on DeCyst trap crops). Passed BASIS in June 2024, and will be starting FACTS in the new year.
Meet the 2024 Conference Speakers
Lucy Tillier
Lucy is an R&D Scientist at PepsiCo. She has a PhD in Crop Science from the University of Nottingham, with her doctoral research sponsored by the BBRO on improving yield in sugar beet through optimising canopy architecture. In her role at PepsiCo, Lucy works across projects which aim to improve sustainable crop production, including potato production for Walkers crisps. Lucy’s role includes managing the potato LITE project, a cross-industry Innovate UK, co-funded project which aims to develop novel machinery and cultivation practices that optimize tillage, improve soil health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in UK potato farming.
CUPGRA is reviewing its Research Strategy so that CUPGRA can ensure that its resources are focussed on what you most need and want
Your views are important to help shape the outcomes so please get involved.
We have put together a simple questionnaire that should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. LINK to questionnaire here (as Google form)
This survey will run until just before the Conference – but please don’t leave it until the last minute. Please contribute as soon as you can.
We also want to give the chance for more detailed conversations amongst members and the Research and Development sub-committee.
This will take place online (via Zoom) on Friday 22 November, 3.30 – 5.00 pm
Please register here https://www.cupgra.com/event-details/cupgra-research-strategy-review-get-involved; we will then send the Zoom link to you directly.
This will be a facilitated workshop to share updates and to give you chance to ask questions and explore the options.
Both of these activities will feed into the review.
We will give an update at the Conference and expect to present the final strategy to underpin CUPGRA’s research focus for the next 5 years at the Research Review on 25th February 2025.
Kind regards
Debbie for the R and D Sub- committee CUPGRA.
NIAB Potatoes | Barn 2 Park Farm | Villa Road | Impington | CB24 9NZ
Office (dd) +44(0)1223 342426 | Email admin@cupgra.com
Web www.cupgra.com | Twitter @cupgra
CTP-SAI-081; ‘Guardians from the Grass’; Harnessing fungal endophytes to suppress plant parasitic nematodes of potatoes. Dr Matthew Back and Dr Katrzyna Dybal (Harper Adams University), Dr Sarah Roberts (NIAB / CUPGRA)
Find out more at CTP-SAI four-year studentships for October 2025 at NIAB
Interviews will be held during February 2025. Please contact recruitment-ctp-sai@niab.com for further application details.
Meet the 2024 Conference Speakers
Angus Armstrong
Having graduated from Edinburgh and Aberdeen Schools of Agriculture, Angus was a grain trader before joining the potato sector in 1994 with E S Black Ltd in the Scottish Borders. Via acquisition he joined the Greenvale AP business in 2000 holding various Executive Board positions before becoming CEO of Greenvale and its parent company Produce Investments in 2008. He oversaw the expansion of Produce Investments with various acquisitions including Rowe Farming and The Jersey Royal company, as well as organic growth with Restrain Company Ltd. He was one of a small group who successfully floated the business on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange in 2010 before the business was taken private again in 2018.
Having recently stepped away from Produce Investments Angus holds several Charitable Trustee roles and is involved with a couple of small start-up enterprises.
CUPGRA is reviewing its Research Strategy so that CUPGRA can ensure that its resources are focussed on what you most need and want
Your views are important to help shape the outcomes so please get involved.
We have put together a simple questionnaire that should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. LINK to questionnaire here (as Google form)
This survey will run until just before the Conference – but please don’t leave it until the last minute. Please contribute as soon as you can.
We also want to give the chance for more detailed conversations amongst members and the Research and Development sub-committee.
This will take place online (via Zoom) on Friday 22 November, 3.30 – 5.00 pm
Please register here https://www.cupgra.com/event-details/cupgra-research-strategy-review-get-involved; we will then send the Zoom link to you directly.
This will be a facilitated workshop to share updates and to give you chance to ask questions and explore the options.
Both of these activities will feed into the review.
We will give an update at the Conference and expect to present the final strategy to underpin CUPGRA’s research focus for the next 5 years at the Research Review on 25th February 2025.
Kind regards
Debbie for the R and D Sub- committee CUPGRA.
NIAB Potatoes | Barn 2 Park Farm | Villa Road | Impington | CB24 9NZ
Office (dd) +44(0)1223 342426 | Email admin@cupgra.com
Web www.cupgra.com | Twitter @cupgra
Meet the 2024 Conference Speakers
Judith Batchelar
Judith has worked in the food and drink industry for 40 years in manufacturing, retailing, and from 2004 to 2021 as Director of Sainsbury’s Brand driving the Product Quality and Innovation agendas along with Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability, and Public Affairs.
Today Judith is Deputy Chair of The Environment Agency, Chair of MicroSalt and The Rugby Players Association, a Non-Executive Director of Monaghan Mushrooms and Daemon, a Trustee of The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, and an ambassador for Farm Africa and the Woodland Trust.
Judith is a Biochemist, nutritionist, has an Honorary Doctorate in Agriculture from Harper Adams University, she is an Associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies, Honorary President of the British Nutrition Foundation, and a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), the Royal Society of Arts and Manufactures (RSA) and a liveryman at The Worshipful Company of Butchers.
From 2013 to 2018 she co-chaired of the Governments’ AgriTech Council and today she co-chairs Defra’s Food Data Transparency Partnership Eco group. She was awarded an OBE in 2015 for services to Farming and the Food Industry, and is a Commissioner on the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission and The Harper Commission into the Future of UK Food.
Meet the 2024 Conference Speakers
Joseph Mhango - Harper Adams University
Joseph is a Senior Lecturer of applied data science at Harper Adams University (HAU). He earned his PhD from HAU in 2022, where he investigated the potential of remote sensing in mapping soil and crop variability relevant to tuber yield and size. This AHDB-funded research introduced AI methods for plant density mapping, predicted marketable yield from satellite imagery, produced new methods for evaluating tuber size distribution and explored soil conductivity’s impact on potato yield. After his PhD, Joseph worked with Crop4Sight, developing satellite-based groundcover models, tuber sizing, and yield modelling applications, among others. He then worked with Solynta, developing various end-to-end sensor-based phenotyping applications relevant to breeding and advanced genomic selections. Building on over eight years in the CGIAR (IITA) in agronomy roles, supported by a BSc in Agronomy and an MSc in Soil Science, he now operates at the intersection between potato physiology, remote sensing, AI, and data science, bringing this knowledge to bear on the goal to “Understand how potatoes grow”.
Potato virus testing
PLRV and PVY
Six virus check – PLRV and PVY plus PVA, PVX, PVS and PVV
Not enough time for the standard germination test?
Our quick seed viability test takes between 24 and 72 hours
niab.com/labtest
@niabgroup
E: labtest@niab.com
Niab, Park Farm, Villa Road, Histon
Cambridge CB24 9NZ
T: 01223 342243
for the range of tests,
packages, order forms
and price
ISO9001:2015 quality
assurance and ISTA
accreditation
Niab, Park Farm, Villa Road, Histon
Cambridge CB24 9NZ
T: 01223 342243
Meet the 2024 Conference Speakers
Carl Rosen - University of Minnesota
Carl Rosen is a Professor and Extension Soil Scientist in the Department of Soil, Water, & Climate at the University of Minnesota. He received BS and MS degrees in Horticultural Science from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. degree in Soil Science from the University of California, Davis. His research and extension programs in Minnesota have focused on optimizing nutrient management for a variety of crops with particular emphasis on irrigated potato cropping systems. Efforts in recent years have also focused on water quality issues related to fertilizer use and use of municipal and industrial by-products as amendments for agricultural soils. He has authored or coauthored numerous publications and extension bulletins on the subjects of nutrient management, soil fertility, soil health, plant nutrition, and beneficial use of by-products for crop production.
Meet the 2024 Conference Speakers
Jim Monaghan - Harper Adams University
Jim Monaghan is the Professor of Crop Science at Harper Adams University having worked in crop science for 30 years. Following a Biology degree at UCNW Bangor, Jim researched aspects of crop production at Harper Adams University College and John Innes Centre (PhD), Newcastle University, HRI-Efford and HRI-Wellesbourne. Jim then had a look at the real world for three years at Marks and Spencer as Salads Technologist, where he had responsibility for food safety, pesticide residue minimisation, and compliance with codes of practice for all salad products and salad ingredients in minimally processed foods, before heading back to Harper Adams to develop teaching and research in the area of fresh produce production in 2005.
Jim is now the Director of the Centre for Crop and Environmental Science at HAU. The centre brings together researchers and PhD students who are focussed on both understanding fundamental processes and translating them to applied solutions to the wide range of challenges regarding soil, water, nutrition, pests and diseases, and how they are affected by climate change and farming systems. His personal research group has expertise in crop physiology and phenotyping and has received funding from AHDB, BBSRC, Defra, Innovate UK, NERC and businesses including G’s Fresh, PepsiCo & Syngenta. Jim is also involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and knowledge exchange in the areas of crop production and postharvest management at HAU. He has supervised 11 PhD students to completion and is currently supervising 6 PhD students. Away from HAU, Jim chaired the Technical Advisory Committee for Red Tractor Produce from 2010-17 and is a member of the BBRO Technical Committee.
CUPGRA Study Tour - Scotland 19th-21st June 2024
CUPGRA Study Tour : Scotland 19th – 21st June 2024
Aims: To recognise the importance of developing our understanding of the seed supply chain, particularly during challenging times with implications for us all. Our three main aims were:
1. Knowledge - Enabling a better understanding of the seed supply chain for members
2. Skills - Learning how science and research can provide solutions
3. Relationships - Recognising the importance of collaborative efforts in the future
Our key points of interest
A. SASA (Edinburgh). Scottish Seed Certification, Statutory PCN and Virus Testing.
B. Fimm Farms (Aberfeldy). Optical seed grading on farm.
C. PB Growers (Black Isles). Pre Basic seed production.
D. McCains (Montrose). Seed handling, grading and storage.
E. Gentech (Dundee). Mini-Tuber production.
F. James Hutton Institute (Dundee). Commonwealth Potato Collection and Pre-breeding, Virus Modelling, PCN, Crop Storage Facility, Blackleg update.
Update on CUPGRA -
R and D Committee - Research Grants-Members opportunities
“Understanding how potatoes grow determines how to grow potatoes”
To help fund short and long-term independent high-quality potato research, with robust deliverables, to enable CUPGRA Members to innovate, deliver, be successful and resilient, via the translation and application of the best available science, knowledge and insights from Research.
Debbie Winstanley, James Lee, David Almond and Mark Stalham with support from Sarah Roberts and Peter Craven
-
European Society of Nematology - Congratulations go to Anika Damm
-
Anika won the prize for best oral presentation at the Symposium of the European Society of Nematologists (ESN2024) in Cordoba, Spain this April.
-
Anika also won the David Miller Travel Award and a BSPP travel award to attend another conference in Greece this September.
GBPCN Update - A collaboration between CUPGRA and GB Potatoes
Read here - AHDB PCN Grower Guide 2018 and AHDB PCN Sampling Test Guide 18Sep21
6th Symposium of Potato Cyst Nematode Management - Association of Applied Biologists (aab.org.uk)
10 – 11 September 2024
Harper Adams University
-
CONFIRMED MANCOZEB WITHDRAWAL TIMELINES
-
Following on from the previous communication regarding the withdrawal of mancozeb active approval, the following timelines are now CONFIRMED by DEFRA.
-
The active substance expiry date is the 31st May 2024.
-
Sale and supply of any plant protection product containing mancozeb will end on the 30th November 2024.
-
Storage, disposal and use of any plant protection product containing mancozeb will end on the 30th November 2025.
-
Please note all the above dates are now CONFIRMED
Anika Damm – Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) PhD student at the University of Cambridge Crop Science Centre.
Anika is a PhD student (2022-2026) in the Plant-Parasite Interactions group (Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge) and part of the CTP Programme Sustainable Agricultural Innovation, supported by CUPGRA. After her BSc in Agricultural Science at the University of Bonn from 2016-2019, she completed her MSc in Crop Sciences at the University of Hohenheim from 2019-2021.
In her PhD thesis, Anika investigates the biology underlying plant-nematode interactions. The principal question her research aims to address is: “How do nematodes tailor their gene expression to successfully infect plants?”. Every animal has thousands of genes, each of which contributes to some parts of their life cycle. In the case of plant-parasitic nematodes, some of these genes (termed “effectors”) help the nematode to successfully manipulate and reshape the plant to support parasitism. These genes must be deployed in the right time and place, and in the right combination with other genes. It is this internal regulation of genes that is the focus of Anika’s research.
The central hypothesis is that by disrupting the regulation of these genes, we can disrupt the production of many effectors at once and thereby take away the key tools the nematode needs to infect the plant. This would open up manifold novel ways to control nematodes in the longer-term.
The University of Cambridge extends its sincere gratitude to the CUPGRA for the gift to support a Research Fellow in Crop Sciences focusing on potato improvement in the UK.
In this report, Professor Giles Oldroyd gives an overview of the exciting work to develop the Crop Science Centre and establish it as one of the leading places in the world for plant research with a focus on improving the sustainability and equity of global food production.
CUPGRA fellow Dr Sebastian Eves-van den Akker also provides an update on his work.
John Owen – Collaborative Training Partnership
(CTP) PhD student at Harper Adams University
John Owen is undertaking a four-year CTP/CUPGRA sponsored PhD investigating the control of aphid borne potato viruses. The project aims to develop a novel ‘Push-Pull’ system for the potato crop.
Stimulo-deterrent diversion or ‘push-pull’ as it is more commonly known, is a pest management strategy that utilises a variety of behaviour modifying cues, both visual and olfactory, to divert pest species away from their target (the ‘push’) and towards a trap area where they can be more easily controlled (the ‘pull’); this has proved an effective control method for medical, veterinary and crop pests. In crop protection, strategies include the use of intercropping and the application of essential oils that actively deter pests or mask crop plant olfactory cues, the application of mulches to obscure visual cues and visually attractive crop borders.
Several potential components for a ‘push-pull’ system to control aphid pests have been explored for potato crops, yet no robust system has been developed, and certainly not one that provides sufficient virus protection to the levels required for seed crop production. This project aims to address this. Over the next four years, the project will look at potential push-pull elements, starting with laboratory and glasshouse studies, before refining the approach under field conditions. The goal is to produce a workable system for both seed and ware crops. The push-pull approach has a lot of potential, particularly for the control of non-persistent viruses, which are spread before insecticides can act against the vector.
GB PCN Forum Newsletter
November 2023 Edition
The steering group is currently made of key industry representatives, chaired by Mark Taylor (GB Potatoes), with David Almond and Jamie Lee as co-vice chair (CUPGRA). Other members being Tim Rooke (NFU), Ian Toth and James Price (JHI / PCN Action Scotland), Matt Back (HAU), Mark Wilcox and David Nelson (FPSA), Jeff Beever and Matt Smallwood (PPA), Paul Wood (BPTA), Nick Winmill (Agrii), Darryl Shailes (Hutchinsons), and independent agronomists Mark Taplin, Graham Tomalin and Simon Alexander. If you would like to be an active part in this forum, please contact any of the people above or Peter Craven (secretariat for CUPGRA) at peter.craven@niab.com or Graham Bannister (GB Potatoes) at graham.bannister@gmail.com
Radcliffe Salaman
(1874-1955)
When you eat mashed #potato, fries or a packet of crisps, remember Radcliffe Salaman, whose research into this amazing plant ensured that we have a stable and disease-free supply of our favourite #food.
#TastyThursday #willesdenjewishcemetery #jewishhistory #FoodHistory
CUPGRA is supporting
Get your applications in for the
#PhD studentships involving #NIAB and many other partners
starting in October 2024 https://ctp-sai.org/projects-for-2024… #PhDposition
CARAS awards the advancement to the Fellowship to Tina Barsby OBE who was awarded her associateship in July 2017 entitled ‘Contribution to Agriculture through Leadership in Crop Sciences
The English Panel of the Council for Awards of the Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS) held an awards ceremony in the House of Lords on Tuesday 17th October, hosted by Lord Taylor of Holbeach CBE FRAgS and in the presence of DEFRA farming minister Mark Spencer MP FRAgS.
The Awards are a celebration by recognition of the remarkable personal achievements and contribution of individuals to the many sectors within the food and farming industry, as well as within society.
The Award recipients are commended for being head and shoulders above their peers in their contribution to the betterment of the food and farming sector in a wide range of ways through their leadership: by supporting charities, mentoring, adopting sustainable farming techniques, innovation in furthering research, advancing technology or holding voluntary roles which underpin the sector.
CUPGRA is indeed very fortunate to have Tina as a guiding light on the Executive Committee for CUPGRA.
Many Congratulations to Tina on a well- deserved award!!
The citation read:
In 2018, Tina was awarded an OBE for services to Agricultural Sciences and Bio- Technology. She continues as a trustee of the John Innes Foundation and of the Lawes Trust, a member of the Business Board (LEP) for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and was instrumental in the £23 million plans for major research buildings at East Malling, ensuring that this project is an integral part of NIAB. Whilst Tina has since retired from NIAB, she still continues her professional and voluntary portfolio, including supporting Potato Science and Research work, via CUPGRA, and she has been appointed as a Professor of Agricultural Botany at the University of Cambridge Global Food Security SRI Tina was awarded her associateship in July 2017 entitled ‘Contribution to Agriculture through Leadership in Crop Sciences. Tina’s sponsors were Tony Pexton and Jim Godfray OBE. CARAS awards the advancement to the Fellowship, to Tina Barsby.
Meet the 2023 Conference Speakers
Tom Storr - Research Agronomist at Dyson Farming in Lincolnshire
I have been working at Dyson Farming as a Research Agronomist for the past 4 years. During that time I have been involved with research and presentations on soils, cover crops, potatoes and strawberries. In addition to the research, I am a BASIS and FACTS qualified agronomist advising our farm in Gloucestershire and assist the whole business with the implementation of the Sustainable Farming Incentive. Prior to joining Dyson Farming I undertook a PhD at Cranfield University (sponsored by G’s Growers Ltd) and completed a BSc in Agriculture at Nottingham University.
Redesigning lowland peat landscapes
NIAB's Dr Elizabeth Stockdale and FenlandSOIL's Megan Hudson summarise how the barriers to rewetting and restoration of lowland peat landscapes are being unlocked by working with farming communities to access and develop local knowledge and data on soils, biodiversity and land-water relationships.
MAX MacGILLIVRAY
Beanstalk.Global
Max will be joining us again to interview our attendees at the 2023 CUPGRA Conference
INTRODUCTION
Max is an award-winning expert speaker, MC and facilitator in the
international agri-business and fresh food sectors. With more than
20 years’ experience and an impressive track record of implementing
highly successful award-winning marketing campaigns, he is the
inspiration and the leader behind Beanstalk Global. Max brings sound
knowledge and understanding of the agri-business and fresh food
sectors, its challenges and its strengths.
A highly experienced speaker and event host on both virtual platforms and full
attendence conferences, Max is especially skilled in storytelling and helping bring a
voice to others to tell their unique stories. His mission is to inspire, educate, inform
and to make a real difference.
Meet the 2023 Conference Speakers
Dr.ir. Marleen Riemens studied Plant Breeding and Crop Protection at Wageningen University
She obtained her PhD at the Crop and Weed Ecology Group of Wageningen University in 2009, completing a thesis with the title “On the development, environmental effects and human dimension of weed management”. Since 2003 she works at Wageningen University and Research Centre at different groups in different positions. First as a researcher at the Agrosystems Research group, and since 2016 she is head of the scientific research team Crop protection that focusses on IPM (Integrated Pest Management) in arable production systems at WUR.
Marleen Riemens has expertise on sustainable arable plant production systems. She is specialized in integrated pest and weed management. She was project leader of several projects related to the development of integrated weed management systems, side effects of pesticides on non- target organisms, novel monitoring and detection systems fitting in IPM systems, and cultural and mechanical weed control tools.
The crop protection research team is developing sustainable solutions for crop protection issues in field crops. Warning and monitoring techniques, crop cultivation measures, biological control, and a conscious use of chemistry form the basics of the crop protection systems we are working on. Through the combined utilisation of all these basic elements in new and existing cropping systems we offer the sector solutions for fungal diseases, insect pests, slugs, nematodes and weeds.
Meet the 2023 Conference Speakers
Prof Sir Charles Godfray FRS Director, Oxford Martin School Oxford University
Charles Godfray is a population biologist with broad interests in science and the interplay of science and policy. He has spent his career at Oxford University and Imperial College and is currently Director of the Oxford Martin School and Professor of Population Biology at Oxford. His research has involved experimental and theoretical studies in population and community ecology, epidemiology and evolutionary biology. He is particularly interested in food security and chaired the UK Government Office of Science’s Foresight project on the Future of Food and Farming and recently stepped down as chair of the UK’s agricultural and environment (Defra) ministry’s Science Advisory Council.
Congratulations! - National Potato Industry Awards 2023
We are pleased to let you know that Debbie Winstanley and Martyn Cox are now finalists within the British Potato Industry Award category for this year’s National Potato Industry Awards.
Debbie Winstanley has a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Wales. She is a Governor of Harper Adams University and was awarded a Fellowship by the Royal Agricultural Society in 2022. She was a commercial farm agronomist in northwest England for 20 years before working on potato agronomy at Cambridge University Farm. Debbie has worked for both Co-op Retail and Sainsbury’s in technical management for fresh produce and was the UK agronomist for PepsiCo. She sits on the steering group of the Allerton Project, a charity that champions biodiversity, and PRIF, the UK Government’s Expert Committee for Pesticide Residues in Food.
Martyn Cox—Blackthorn Arable Ltd has worked in the crop protection industry for over 45 years as well as spending his early years growing up on a farm. Martyn’s career highlights include: working as a crop protection specialist, technical management roles, and working hard to get IT systems integrated and functional for agronomists. Around 22 years ago Martyn took the plunge and set up as an independent agronomist managing a range of crops, but specialising in potatoes. He covers organic and conventional potato crops including a large area of salads, dealing with wireworm as a constant threat. Martyn has studied all aspects of wireworm management and co-authored the CUPGRA review on this pest with Dr Marc Allison. He is closely involved with research into wireworm with CUPGRA and Fera Enigma as well as carrying out his own research. From this collaboration they have managed to improve risk assessment and understanding of wireworm, with this information now used in the UK on an increasing scale.
Potato News Today
Processing potato growers in Britain had a positive experience with a new potato sprout suppressant last year, with the product achieving good sprout control in very challenging circumstances. However, pre-pack growers are worried about its use after treatment in some cold stores and on some varieties was linked to costly tuber defects during its first season of use. In August 2022 when 1,4Sight (1,4-dimethylnaptheline or DMN) was approved for use in potato stores, it was warmly welcomed by the potato industry.
European Seed Newsletter - October 2, 2023
The European Commission published on 5 July, 2023 its long-awaited legislative proposal for the regulation of plants produced by certain new genomic techniques (NGTs). ... more
CUPGRA Fellow
Sebastian Eves-van den Akker, the CUPGRA Fellow at the University of Cambridge, has been promoted to Principal Research Associate, Professor Grade 11. Promotion to this level is regarded as exceptional, awarded to those who clearly demonstrate that they are recognised at an international level for the advancement of their area of research field. Sebastian, who leads the Plant-Parasite Interactions lab at the Crop Science Centre, focuses on the potato cyst nematodes - widespread and pervasive pests that threaten potato production. Work in the lab aims to understand the fundamental biology of plant-nematode interactions in order to identify routes to control.
Anika Damm - CUPGRA PhD achievements this year
Conferences:
- Upcoming: plenary talk at the virtual nematology conference in October
- Talk at eSCAMPS 2023 in September
- Talk at the International Congress of Plant Pathology (ICPP) 2023 in August (worldwide largest conference in plant pathology)
- Talk at NoCaSS 2023 in April
- Talk at Advances in Nematology 2022 last December
Awards:
- Prize for best student talk at eSCAMPS 2023
- Departmental prize for my first year seminar
- Pillman Conference Award from Girton College to attend ICPP 2023
- Not directly related to my PhD but in July I won a prize for my master’s thesis (Studienpreis des Unversitaetsbundes Hohenheim e.v.) for the best master’s thesis at the faculty of agricultural sciences at the University of Hohenheim.
Committees:
- I help organise the virtual nematology conference of the young nematology network
https://www.youngnematologists.net
Growers, farmers, processors and the public are asked to remain vigilant after the Animal and Plant Health Agency confirmed findings of Colorado potato beetle larvae in Kent.
On Friday 11 August Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed the finding of a single adult male Colorado beetle within the 1km surveillance zone in Kent. This provides evidence of the value of our rigorous inspection activities to date.
No additional colony has been detected and given the estimated age of the beetle it’s likely that this specimen probably dispersed from the original site. Surveillance for any possible undetected colonies will continue within the 1km zone.
We are actively following up public reports, all of which have been negative for Colorado beetle. We wish to encourage continued vigilance from industry and the public and will update the plant health portal with any further press notices.
This finding follows beetle larvae which was identified in a field in Kent earlier this summer, on Tuesday 11 July. This was confirmed by Defra and the APHA as Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata).
Heat Stress review
A new CUPGRA review is in the making!
Sarah Roberts (NIAB) will be reviewing the scientific literature about heat stress in potatoes to help growers understand how high temperatures affect potato growth, what the problems are, how they will change as our climate changes and what solutions might be out there.
CUPGRA members, please forward any relevant information about any projects, varieties advertised as heat stress tolerant or strategies that you have tried or that have been recommended to you to reduce the impact of heat stress on growth and yield.
Send your insights to this complicated issue to admin@CUPGRA.com and they will be passed on to Sarah to help shape the review.
CUPGRA members will be able to see demonstration plots of hybrid diploid potatoes at this year’s Members days on 28th June and 1st August.
Researchers from Solynta (a potato breeding company) and Wageningen University and Research (WUR) recently published a scientific review titled “Converting Hybrid Potato Breeding Science into Practice”. This is an open access article so can be read by anyone via the link below.
The review outlines the different components needed for a complete hybrid programme: inbred line development, hybrid evaluation, cropping systems and variety registration. They give an example of how fundamental and applied research are connected to application in a breeding programme, based on the experiences at Solynta. The review also sets hybrid breeding in a societal perspective and identifies bottlenecks that need to be overcome to allow successful adoption of diploid hybrid potatoes. Source: de Vries, M. E., Adams, J. R., Eggers, E., Ying, S., Stockem, J. E., Kacheyo, O. C., van Dijk, L. C., Khera, P., Bachem, C. W., Lindhout, P., & G., E. A. (2023). Converting Hybrid Potato Breeding Science into Practice. Plants, 12(2), 230. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020230
Caythorpe Potato Breeders Demo Day
Caythorpe Potato Breeders Demo Days,
30th and 31st August 2023
Heath Lane, Caythorpe , Grantham, NG32 3HE
///what3words
The latest edition of Landmark, NIAB's corporate publication, is now available to read and download. Published three times a year, it features in-depth technical articles on all aspects of NIAB crop research.
Following on from the Wireworm review in 2022, Martyn Cox has produced two great guides to Wireworm and Pheromone trapping.
Mirage News, 20 April 2023
Potato world production is threatened by potato late blight, one of the most devastating potato diseases.
21 March 2023
CUPGRA hosted in conjunction with GB Potatoes
James Harrison - Mark Taylor - Sophie Bambridge - AIM to provide an 'Umbrella' organization that supports GB Potatoes Industry.
Contents includes;
Reference Crops & Crop Modelling; Soils & Water; Pathology & Pests; Storage.
CUPGRA AGM and Research Review
28 February 2023
Congratulations!
Sophie, on the arrival of your baby girl. Currently known as Spud whilst they try out various names!
Is there a genetic solution to the challenge from potato viruses? K. Huntenburg &
G. J. Bishop
27 July 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Peter Craven is joining the crop research organisation NIAB in the new role of Research Development Manager for NIAB Potatoes
April 2022
ARTICLE in The Vegetable Farmer by Heather Briggs
Subscription required
CUPGRA has announced that Tina Barsby will be new President and Sophie Bambridge the new chair.
October 2021
PRESS RELEASE
CUPGRA is a partner in the recently announced collaborative training partnership award programme for Sustainable Agricultural Innovation (CTP-SAI)
March 2021
ARTICLE
NIAB's Dr Sarah Roberts writes about her CUPGRA-funded research on the effect of common changes in potato agronomy – such as plant spacing and planting date – upon whole canopy growth. Originally written for NIAB's Landmark magazine
December 2018
ARTICLE
Summarising a review carried out by NIAB for AHDB on the effect of liming and pH on the risk of common scab in potatoes.
Originally written for NIAB's Landmark magazine
May 2018
ARTICLE
Research, jointly funded by CUPGRA and AHDB, investigating the physiological and agronomic causes of tuber greening.
Originally written for NIAB's Landmark magazine
19 December 2017
PRESS RELEASE
Dr Mike Storey has been awarded the John Green Memorial Trophy for his exceptional contribution to the British potato industry.