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Invasive plants compete with crops of commercial interest for resources, tending to outgrow them owing to more robust dispersal mechanisms and quicker germination times. Once established, invasive species also become exceedingly difficult to remove. Currently, removal of unwanted plant mass generally involves animal consumption (herbivory), incineration, mechanical removal, or disposal in landfill. The use of herbicides is also a popular and often the preferred method of managing unwanted plant invasion. All these methods have issues around unsatisfactory land use, associated greenhouse gas
"Crucially, we have shown that the plant has an even finer control over its nitrogen-fixing bacterial ‘guests’ in that it can recognise if a strain is relatively better than another" Legume plants can make ‘smart’ management decisions when it comes to interacting with their symbiotic bacterial partners to harness nitrogen from the atmosphere, a research team including a James Hutton Institute scientist has shown, offering insight into how a better understanding of these ‘smart’ interactions could help advance sustainable agriculture. More information from: Bernardo Rodriguez-Salcedo, Media
"Sir Paul Grice brings new and strategically-important insights, skills and knowledge to the Board that will contribute towards keeping Hutton and its work focused on delivering the greatest impact." The James Hutton Institute has announced the appointment of Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, to its Board of Directors as a non-executive director. Sir Paul held the position of Clerk and Chief Executive of the Scottish Parliament from its inception in 1999 to 2019, leading the delivery of all services to the Parliament alongside acting as its principal
Woodland expansion is a key part of the Scottish and Westminster Governments’ plans to meet net zero carbon emission targets by 2045 and 2050 respectively. Here, we use replicated experiments to study the changes that occurred on heather dominated moorland when birch and Scots pine were planted. On decadal timescales we found that net ecosystem carbon storage did not increase, above ground gains being off-set by loss of carbon from the soil. There were few other changes in soil chemistry, but the soil microbial community was shown to change, as was the above ground vegetation.
The event brings together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place making it an essential date in the potato industry calendar. In the field, you'll find commercial breeders showcasing the latest varieties, agronomists demonstrating what's new in crop protection and researchers discussing their most recent findings, all on hand to share their knowledge and give advice. Indoors, you'll find a range of exhibitors from agricultural advisors and scientific researchers to processors and technology companies. There will also be a series of technical seminars open to all
"This year there is truly something for everyone; be sure to keep an eye on plantday18may.org for more updates and details." From one little seed, planted into soil, many green lives can arise – from small herbs up to big trees, or from ornamental flowers to substantial crops which all animals and humans need to survive on this planet. Plant biologists estimate the total number of plant species roughly to be about 250,000. More information from: Bernardo Rodriguez-Salcedo, Media Manager, James Hutton Institute, Tel: +44 (0)1224 395089 (direct line), +44 (0)344 928 5428 (switchboard) or +44 (0