The quest to improve nutrition and flavour through crop breeding is a long-standing challenge being accelerated due to novel breeding techniques and a better understanding of plant genetics and human and animal metabolism. From “Golden Rice” to purple tomatoes and better broccoli, this event will explore the potential for improvement of fruit, vegetables and cereals, ranging from products already hitting the supermarket shelves, to those a little further from market.
13.30 Arrival and registration, tea and coffee available on arrival
14.00 Introduction and welcome
14.10 Breeding a better berry
Adam Whitehouse, Strawberry Breeder, NIAB EMR
14.30 Designing new wheat starches for healthier bread
Dr Brittany Hazard, Research Leader, Institute of Food Research
14.50 NiPPy- developing a short generation broccoli for 21st Century horticulture
Dr Judith Irwin, Senior Scientist, John Innes Centre
15.10 Tea break
15.30 Sweetcorn and courgettes: Too sweet to handle? Not to everyone’s taste!
Bruce Napier, Vegetable specialist, NIAB
15.30 Breeding for improved flavour and nutrition in vegetable crops
Dr Richard Tudor, Vegetable Breeder, Elsoms
15.50 Enhancing yields and quality traits through advanced hydroponics
Alex Fisher, CEO, Saturn Bioponics
16.10 Panel discussion
16.30 Networking reception
17.30 Close and depart