Crop and Translational Research

Scientists within EPS work on both model plants and crops and are keen to translate their knowledge into improvements for breeders and growers, that can help them maintain yields, quality and resilience. 

• We are developing new technologies to improve plant robustness to temperature change (Halliday Research Group) and resistance to disease (Spoel Research Group and Loake Research Group).

• EPS scientists at Edinburgh University are using plant stem cell technologies to develop a source of low-cost cancer drug

• The SRUC Crop Science team works on resource use efficiency and yield creation in common food crops. We work with farmers to improve farming systems for the future

• SRUC are developing resilient and sustainable systems of crop production that are economically viable, environmentally and socially acceptable

• SRUC runs an applied practice team to run field trials over a range of Scottish sites and to organise knowledge exchange activities such as technical notes and trial open days to translate crop science into practice

• SRUC run a plant clinic to diagnose and advise on crop health problems

• SRUC provides consultancy services on crop agronomy and plant health issues

• EPS scientists at RBGE have worked in tropical countries to develop agroforestry schemes using native trees that aim to improve livelihoods and slow rates of deforestation

For general information on translational research opportunities contact Dr Lorraine Kerr, our Commercial Relations Executive.

Contact details: lorraine.kerr@ed.ac.uk, tel. +44 (0)131 651 9070.

Also see Edinburgh Research and Innovation