Cambridge, United Kingdom
February 26, 2009Budding
scientists, young and old, are invited to become a pathologist
for the day as part of National Science Week – not with humans
or animals, but with agricultural crops.
“We want to show the general public that plants get fungal
infections and diseases too,” says Dr Kerry Maguire from the
National Institute of Agricultural
Botany (NIAB). “Our team of plant pathologists will be
demonstrating all kinds of plant diseases focusing on crops that
are growing in fields around Cambridge. Whether fascinated by
fungi or disgusted by diseases we hope to attract a new
generation of young scientists while providing information in a
more complex form for older visitors and those with some
grounding in science.”
The exhibition is at Cambridge University’s Department of Plant
Sciences on Saturday 14th March. The NIAB team will explain how
diseases develop, what happens to infected plants and crops and
how the spread of infection is controlled or even prevented. The
demonstration includes games and scientific tests, examining
infected wheat, barley and oat plants in pots and looking down
microscopes at diseased plant material and fungal structures
including spores.
“We will be focusing on diseases such as mildew, yellow rust,
brown rust, septoria and fusarium as well as showing some ergot
- in sealed bags of course,” explains Kerry.
For further information please contact Kerry Maguire on 01223
342213 or
kerry.maguire@niab.com.
The National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) is a
pioneering plant science organisation based at the heart of the
Cambridge science, technology and university communities and a
thriving UK agricultural industry. It has an internationally
recognised reputation for independence, innovation and
integrity.
Founded in 1919, NIAB has over 80 years experience in the
agricultural and food sectors. The Institute employs 161 staff
with the main headquarters in Cambridge and regional offices at
Headley Hall in North Yorkshire, Harper Adams in Shropshire,
Seale Hayne in Devon, HRI Kirton in Lincolnshire, Gwent in
Monmouthshire, Itchen Stoke in Hampshire and Wye in Kent. |
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