A University of Glasgow research project which could help crop harvests keep pace with the world’s growing population has been given a funding boost.

The findings of the research project, led by Professor of Plant Cell and Molecular Biology Gareth Jenkins, could lead to the creation of a new breed of oilseed rape which is less appealing to insects, reducing the chance of crops being destroyed by pest attacks.

The project has received a grant of up to £470,000 from the £7m Crop Improvement Research Club, a partnership led by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Scottish Government along with a consortium of 14 leading plant breeders, farmers and food processors. The Club has also given financial backing to five other research initiatives which are aiming to help secure the world’s crops.

Prof Jenkins said: “I’m pleased to have been awarded the grant from the Crop Improvement Research Club, which will support three years of research in collaboration with the John Innes Centre in Norwich.

“The world’s population is projected to reach nine billion by 2050, making it more vital than ever to investigate ways in which staple crops such as oilseed rape can be protected in order to prevent food crises in the coming decades. We’re looking forward to playing our part in developing crops which can meet the requirements of future generations.”

The research builds on another of Prof Jenkins’ projects which identified the protein in plants which is responsible for detecting exposure to harmful UV-B wavelengths in sunlight. The protein, called UVR8, switches on changes in the plant’s gene expression to allow it to produce its own sunscreen in the outer tissues of its leaves, protecting it from sun damage.

The research project will investigate how the response to UV-B wavelengths can be used to alter the chemical composition of oilseed rape plants and make them less palatable to pests. The research results could lead to the creation of crops which are naturally more resistant to insect attacks, which would also reduce the need for crops to be sprayed with pesticides. 

Professor Douglas Kell, Chief Executive, BBSRC said: “The Crop Improvement Research Club has created a tremendous opportunity for excellent research to contribute to future food security.

“The research funded by the club is of relevance to the development of commercial varieties of oilseed rape, barley and wheat, and as such will ensure the high quality research has an impact on the sustainability of food production in the near future.”

Dr Simon Hook, representing HGCA and chair of the CIRC steering group said: “These six projects, selected from an initial 46, are very exciting; expertise within the academic community is absolutely vital to future food security in the UK and beyond.

“We hope that the support for this work from the plant breeder, food grower and processor community will enable these excellent researchers to generate new knowledge and enhance the fundamental science of oilseed rape, barley and wheat leading to increased productivity and quality. 

“With this knowledge we can work together to develop improved varieties that contribute to more sustainable food production.”

For more information contact Ross Barker in the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 3535 or email ross.barker@glasgow.ac.uk   or Nancy Mendoza, senior media relations officer, BBSRC, on 01793 413 355 / 07785 710 536 / Nancy.Mendoza@bbsrc.ac.uk

First published: 15 June 2011

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