The National Reference Collection houses a collection of biological samples relevant to UK agriculture, including plant-associated microorganisms, entomopathogenic fungi, crop weed seeds exhibiting different herbicide resistance profiles, pest insect larvae and environmental samples, and plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The collection was established in partnership with CABI, Fera and Rothamsted Research and is open to the public for the deposit and supply of samples. Rothamsted Research holds blackgrass samples but these have not been entered into the Collection.
In addition to the collection itself, the NRC relies on expertise from members of technical staff supported by CABI, and includes some important equipment needed to receive and preserve deposits of samples from external researchers as well as companies for safe storage and supply.
In collaboration with:
This Capability is based at CABI’s Ascot site. CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International) is a non-profit, intergovernmental organization that uses scientific expertise and information to improve people’s lives by addressing environmental and agricultural issues.
Biopesticides & Biostimulants
We offer a comprehensive suite of pioneering capabilities, dedicated to researching and improving novel crop protection techniques. These encompass precision spraying, high specification field trials, screening and
testing of new biopesticides, and controlled pest management trials. These tools help combat emerging and existing crop pests and diseases, providing farmers with alternative methods for crop protection. We also have access to the UK’s first comprehensive and authenticated database of plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria, and international pest horizon scanning to enhance the efficiency of crop pest and disease diagnosis globally.
