Category Archives: HortNews

New seed breeding technique reported

According to reports, scientists from Syngenta have published details of a breakthrough seed breeding process in the international scientific journal Nature.

It is believed that the technique of haploid induction could significantly speed up breeding. Although initially based around corn (maize) crops, with the mechanism triggered by a defect in an enzyme coded by the Matrilineal (MTL) gene, the work could have wide implications.

“Successful haploid induction is an often painstaking and costly process,” said Tim Kelliher, principal scientist, reproduction biology at Syngenta and lead author of the paper. “But this research is an important step in showing how gene editing can help us breed plants that produce higher yields, on a much more efficient time frame.”

“We know that investment in gene editing and crop genetics can help us create significant progress toward sustainable intensification of agriculture,” said Michiel van Lookeren Campagne, head of Seeds Research at Syngenta. “To be recognized by the scientific community for this work illustrates its importance to innovation in agriculture. It is a true honour and testament to the quality of our scientists.”

Photo Caption: The study identified the causes of haploid induction in corn

Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures

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‘Knox’ wins top Fruit Logistica award

Rijk Zwaan has been awarded with the Fruit Logistica Award for its Knox™ innovation which is a natural trait which delays discolouration.

Over 70,000 visitors to the trade fair were invited to vote for their favourite out of ten nominees. “This award is the icing on the cake following more than ten years of intensive breeding work. We wholeheartedly thank the visitors for their votes and our chain partners for their faith in Knox,” comments Bauke van Lenteren, Marketing Specialist Leafies.

Knox was first introduced in September 2015 after more than a decade of breeding work. Benefits for the whole supply chain include less waste during processing and sale. The trait can also encourage consumers to purchase fresh-cut lettuce more often because it now has a longer shelf life.

“Thanks to everyone who voted for us and a special thank-you to our team, of course. And last but not least, I’d like to thank all our partners in the value-added chain – they’ve helped us by explaining the benefits of our development,” added Jan Doldersum, Manager Marketing and Business Development at Rijk Zwaan Distribution B.V.

The company says that the roll-out of Knox will continue throughout 2017. Processing companies in the UK, Switzerland, Poland, Australia and the USA are already working with Knox lettuce varieties, and growers, vegetable processing companies and retailers in other countries are in the midst of trials.

Photo Caption: The Rijk Zwaan team celebrate their win at Fruit Logistica.

Photo Credit: Rijk Zwaan.

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AHDB & BPOA plan Canadian study trip

After the success of its previous transatlantic study tour to the United States in 2015, AHDB Horticulture, The Bedding and Pot Plant Centre and The British Protected Ornamentals Association (BPOA) are now organising a two week study tour to Canada.

According to AHDB, ‘The study tour has been designed to share with growers the latest products, technical innovation, news and research from Canada and to identify potential new commercial opportunities for UK growers.’ As well as visits to nurseries and the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, the trip will include the Canadian Greenhouse Conference in Niagra Falls in October.

A provisional itinerary and estimate costs are available on the AHDB Horticulture website and further details will be posted if there is sufficient interest. ‘The overall objective is to offer growers an opportunity to learn from the Canadian ornamentals industry in order to help identify new product ideas and technical innovation that can be implemented back in the UK,’ according to AHDB.

Photo Caption: Previous study tour to the US

Photo Credit: BPOA / NFU

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Bedfordshire Growers launch dried sweet onion

Grower co-operative Bedfordshire Growers launched a new product at Fruit Logistica last week: dried sweet red onions.

Managing Director Stephen Hedderly told reporters that the product was produced simply by dehydrating the company’s sweet red onions without any additives and that they could be used as a healthy alternative to fried onions or even as a snack instead of crisps or nuts.

“We have customers all over the world but there is always a grade of product that people don’t want, and this is a way of using that product,” he said. “We launched the red sweet onions two years ago on Valentine’s Day, and we have overachieved on sales. We’re very pleased.”

Photo Caption: Sweet red onions were first introduced by Bedfordshire Growers two years ago.

Photo Credit: Bedfordshire Growers.

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Changing Climate Changes Soils

In a new study, Australian researchers have used digital techniques to predict how soil organic carbon may be altered by climate change.

“Soil organic carbon is a major determinant of soil health,” says Jonathan Gray, senior scientist at New South Wales Office of Environment & Heritage, who was the lead author of the study. “It influences many chemical, physical, and biological properties of the soil, such as fertility and water holding capacity.”

The researchers used 12 climate change models to predict how soil organic carbon levels vary with climate change. The models used in the study reflected a full range of projected global climate outcomes. Results were varied. “A majority of models showed a decline in soil organic carbon with climate change,” states Gray. “But a few of the models actually predicted an increase.”

The researchers also discovered that the extent to which soil organic carbon changes varied across soil types, current climate, and land use regimes. For example, the projected average decline of soil organic carbon was less than one ton per hectare for sandy, low-fertility soils in dry conditions under cropping regimes. It was 15 times as much for clay-rich, fertile soils in wet conditions under native vegetation regimes.

“This knowledge can help us to better understand and predict where the greatest potential losses or gains in soil carbon may occur,” says Gray. “It would allow us to better prepare for and adapt to altered soil conditions,” he says. “That would ultimately improve how we manage both agricultural and native ecosystems.”

Photo Caption: Jonathan Gray collecting soil carbon data in the field, Hawkesbury Region, NSW (D. King, OEH)

Photo Credit: D. King, Office of Environment and Heritage.

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Tesco introduces apples to yoghurt in latest waste effort

Tesco has partnered with leading organic dairy, Yeo Valley, and Adam Wakeley, the UK’s largest organic fruit grower to create an exclusive new Apple and Custard Left-Yeovers yogurt which helps to tackle food waste. The yogurt uses visually imperfect, but great tasting apples, to create the seasonal flavour.

The Left-Yeovers range, which has been championed by Tesco in recent months, helps to prevent food waste by using surplus fruit from the Yeo Valley storerooms, and also raises money for a very important cause, with 10p from every pot sold donated to food redistribution charity, FareShare. Previous Left-Yeovers flavours have included Strawberry & Fig, Plum & Custard and Banoffee, and have raised £20,000 for FareShare so far.

Adrian Carne Joint Managing Director of Yeo Valley commented, “Our Apples and Custard yogurt is made with organic Santana fruit grown in Gloucester. The juicy apples are blended with a creamy custard yogurt made in our Somerset dairy.”

Photo Credit: Tesco

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Accounts show potato suppliers profiting

According to reports, Scottish-based Bartlett International Holdings, which owns Albert Bartlett, saw its pre-tax profits for the year ending 31 May 2016 fall by a third to £5.513 million, down from £8.198 million the year before. However, turnover increased 3% in the same period.

In his director’s report, Mr Bartlett blamed the drop in profits on “competitive pricing pressure” and start up costs in relation to the launch of the company’s new frozen business. “Whilst the trading environment presents challenges, the group continues to develop and promote the Albert Bartlett brand and remains fully committed to the development and success of our exclusive premium varieties and our own label offering,” he said.

Elsewhere, Lincolnshire-based Manor Fresh, which supplies potatoes and other produce to M&S showed a slight increase in pre-tax profits for the year to 30 April 2016, up from £1.4 million to £1.6 million. Turnover during the period also increased, rising from £57.1 million to £60.3 million. The firm also reported that the sale of green vegetables was “particularly strong.”

Photo Caption: Potato grading at Manor Fresh.

Photo Credit: Manor Fresh.

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Tesco to revamp distribution network

Changes to Tesco’s distribution network will see the closure of two depots and the loss of 1,000 jobs, the company has said.

However, the changes, which include the closure of Welham Green and Chesterfield distribution centres, will also create 500 new roles. Welham Green’s grocery operations will move to the Reading distribution centre, while the majority of general merchandising will move into one distribution centre at Middlesbrough. The company is also withdrawing from a warehouse shared with logistics firm DHL in Daventry, Northamptonshire. Clothing operations there will move to the nearby Tesco Daventry distribution centre.

Tesco UK and ROI CEO Matt Davies commented, “As the needs of our customers change, it’s vital we transform our business for the future. As part of this we are proposing to close two of our distribution centres in the UK. These changes will help to simplify our distribution operations so we can continue to serve our customers better.”

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Preva Produce in administration

According to reports, Norfolk based potato supplier Preva Produce has been placed in administration.

The company is now up for sale with 20 job losses anticipated due to significant cash flow pressures and difficult trading conditions. Creditor interests have been safeguarded and the possibility of selling parts of the business is being explored, according to joint administrators Matt Howard and Stuart Morton, of accountancy firm Price Bailey.

Operations at the company’s 29,000 sq ft packhouse, in Snetterton were suspended in November, and a sale has been agreed subject to contract. “The management team are working with Price Bailey to review the company’s position and to formulate a strategy. Unfortunately, it has been necessary to make 20 redundancies, leaving 11 staff remaining,” said Mike Howard.

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HTA to hold study tour to Netherlands

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has arranged a study tour to the Netherlands from 8–10  February 2017.

As well as an exclusive tour of the Dutch design company Elho head office the tour will include visits to some creative garden centres, alongside the 6th edition of the Garden Retail Experience event in Boskoop, including the event’s gala dinner.

The study tour group will also attend The Auction in Aalsmeer, with a behind the scenes look at the workings of the famous clock from former buyer Paul Moors, Garden Centre Fresh and a guided tour from FloraHolland giving an overview of the whole process.

HTA Event co-ordinator Alexa Stillwell comments “The trip promises to be an exciting and educational experience and our retailers are really looking forward to being inspired and bringing home lots or ideas and concepts to try in their own stores.”

If you are interested in joining the tour or want to find out more, contact events@hta.org.uk.

Photo Caption: Attendees at Garden Retail Experience (TREx) 2016

Photo Credit: TREx

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