Feature: Plant scientists on hand at BBC Gardeners’ World Live

Summer 2010

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Keen gardeners had the opportunity to get some answers to problematic pest issues when some of our world-leading plant scientists set up a 'lab' at BBC Gardeners' World Live to examine afflicted plants that visitors had brought in from home.

BBSRC's 'Garden Gate-crashers' exhibition featured a typical potting shed combined with a plant science lab to give visitors the chance to explore the science behind garden pests and diseases. Experts from the UK's top plant and crop science institutes and universities were on hand to provide a scientific explanation of what is going on and some ideas on what could be done to prevent losses.

BBSRC Head of Public Engagement Dr Patrick Middleton said, "It is frustrating when you lose plants or vegetables to pests and diseases in your garden but it is catastrophic when the same thing happens to the global harvest. Our scientists are at the forefront of efforts to improve global food security by finding ways to overcome the threat of pests and diseases."

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Contact

Tracey Duncombe
tracey.duncombe@bbsrc.ac.uk
tel: 01793 414695
fax: 01793 413382