15 May 2014

Breeding Plants for the Future: The second in the More Crop per Plot series

Organised by:

SCI's BioResources Group in Collaboration with Aqua Enviro

University of Reading, U.K.

Registration Closed

This event is no longer available for registration.

Synopsis

Numerous innovations are dramatically changing plant breeding and the potential performance of crop varieties. Breeding plants for the future, a one-day conference for all involved in crop science and agribusiness will be held on Thursday 15 May 2014 at the University of Reading.

Cutting-edge research will be reviewed, including how epigenetic variation affecting changes in gene expression will create new breeding opportunities. Other topics will cover new genomic technologies, new targets for plant breeders, field testing of new varieties, and integrating genetic improvements with other means of increasing or protecting crop yields and quality.
Speakers will come from the universities of Cambridge, Nottingham and Reading, Rothamsted and the plant science industry. Syngenta and DuPont now have integrated plant breeding and agrochemical businesses, taking the multi-disciplinary approach all the way through from invention to the farm. Smaller specialist plant science companies will be represented by Illumina, an American company specialising in genome sequencing technologies and NIAB, involved in developing and evaluating new technologies.

This conference is the second in a series of events organised by SCI BioResources Group and Aqua Enviro focusing on the science and technologies behind efforts to increase crop yields and secure the global food supply.

Attendees

Policy makers
Academics
R&D Managers
Marketing and Business Development Managers
Investment decision makers
Media

Programme

Day 1

10:00: Alan Baylis, Nuvistix
10:05: Plant breeding for a new future – an overview
David Lawrence, Syngenta
10:25: Poster oral presentation
10:40: Breeding for increased yields – the epigenetic approach
David Baulcombe, University of Cambridge
11:05: Breeding to plan using marker technology
Michael Thompson, Illumina
11:30: Refreshment break
11:50: Toby Bruce, Rothamsted
12:15: Breeding strategies for abiotic stress tolerance
Dave Warner, DuPont Pioneer
12:40: Poster oral presentation
12:55: Improving root architecture to increase nutrient use efficiency and response to micronutrients
Malcolm Bennett, University of Nottingham
13:20: Lunch
14:20: Opening remarks
David Lawrence, Syngenta
14:25: Combating the effect of heat stress on the flowering of crops
Richard Ellis, University of Reading
14:50: Poster oral presentation
15:05: Tina Barsby, NIAB
15:30: Integrating advances in crop breeding with other methodologies
Mike Bushell, Syngenta
15:55: Panel Q & A
16:20: Presentation of poster prize and close
16:25: Refreshments
16:45: Close

Accessibility Grants

SCI accessibility grants are available to support SCI members with disabilities, long term health conditions, those who require a carer, and members who are nursing parents to attend SCI events. Download an application form to apply for a grant.

Venue and Contact

University of Reading

Whitenights Campus
Reading
Berkshire
RG6 6AH

Clare Hunter

Tel: +44 (0)1924 257 891

Email: clarehunter@aquaenviro.co.uk

Fees

Delegate fees and registration

GB£220 (+ VAT). . . . . . . . .SCI Member
GB£65 (+ VAT).. . . . . . . . . SCI Student
GB£100 (+ VAT). . . . . . . . .Student, Academic, Charities
GB£295 (+ VAT). . . . . . . . .Non Member

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Booking Process/Deadlines

To book for this event please visit the Aqua Enviro website here

CPD Info

All delegates attending this meeting are able to claim CPD points.

Additional Info

Exhibition and Sponsorship

An exhibition will take place alongside the conference for companies and related organisations who may wish to exhibit. Please email conferences@soci.org for further information and prices. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.