NEWS
New Journal Launched Focussing on Biotechnology and Crop Improvement
The Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology & Crop Improvement (JABCI) is a Half Yearly Open Access, peer-reviewed journal that accepts original Research articles, Review articles, Editorials, Case reports, Notes and letters to editor, Survey reports, Lab Manuals, and meeting and symposium notices, Proceedings from both industrial and academic communities.
Find out more here
Potential worsening of food insecurity: What to do?
With the recent outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19), health systems globally have felt the impact first-hand. However, equally as alarming is the food crisis that could potentially worsen due to the interrupted services in the economic and production sectors. This of course includes food production and food supply chain services.
Read Professor Elhadi M. Yahia's full blog on the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on global food security here.
Oregano oil claimed to reduce antimicrobial resistance in cattle
New research performed by researchers at the University of Reading UK, claim that oregano oil reduces antimicrobial resistance in cattle.
Read the full article here
Key Dairy Congress for 2020
The 4th Global Dairy Innovation Congress & Awards MENA 2020 is scheduled for 20-21st January 2020, Dubai, UAE.
Dairy consumption, across the world, has been increasing, with fresh dairy products and processed dairy products expected to grow at 2.1% per annum and 1.7% per annum respectively in the forecast period of 2019-2024.
Read the full press release for further information
Burleigh Dodds Author Awarded 2019 Wolf Prize in Agriculture
Professor David Zilberman, University of California, Berkeley has been awarded the 2019 Wolf Prize in Agriculture for his work in developing economic models for fundamental problems in agriculture, economics and policy.
Read more on Professor Zilberman's prize here
Tomato Forum: Key insights from tomato processors, retail and indsutry leaders
The Tomato Forum is scheduled to take place from 3-4th October 2019, Cologne, Germany.
The event will bring tomato processors, food manufacturers, packaging companies and technology providers together to discuss product innovation, sustainability and new market opportunities.
Read the full July press release here
The European Cocoa Forum: IV Panel of the ECA Forum
How can we raise the integrity and credibility of the cocoa supply chain in tackling deforestation and child labour? Join us as we address this key question in the closing debate of the 2019 European Cocoa Forum in Lisbon
The last panel of the 7th ECA Forum, from 17th to 19th September 2019 in Lisbon, will focus on 4 main themes.
To receive a 10% delegate discount when registering for the event, use code BDSECAFORUM2019
Use code ECA20 to receive 20% off at checkout when you purchase Achieving sustainable cultivation of cocoa
Read an outline of the fourth panel here
Researchers develop new technology that will aid the detection of pathogens and pests in plant breeding
A team of researchers from the Broad Institute have developed SHERLOCK - a CRISPR-based platform that is rapid and portable and enables the detection of pathogens and crop pests in plant breeding.
Read the full article here
The European Cocoa Forum: Addressing food safety and current cocoa quality challenges
What are the main food safety concerns affecting the European Cocoa Industry? Which latest fermentation techniques can optimize cocoa quality and flavour? What can we learn from the fruit juice industry about preserving authenticity, quality and CSR compliance? What is best practice to define fine flavour chocolates while ensuring an optimal sensorial experience for consumers?
Attend the 7th European Cocoa Forum - 17-19th September, 2019 - and have these questions answered by a specialist panel.
To receive a 10% delegate discount when registering for the event, use code BDSECAFORUM2019
Use code ECA20 to receive 20% off at checkout when you purchase Achieving sustainable cultivation of cocoa
Read an outline of the third panel here
4th Global Dairy Congress
The 4th Global Dairy Congress Africa 2019 is scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria from 4-5th July 2019.
Register for the event and join in with the only global platform that accelerates dairy investment, trade and modernization in Africa.
Mr Probal Bhattacharya - Marketing Director of Chi Ltd. - will be attending and speaking on Coca-Cola's recent acquisition of the company.
Read the full article here
New Ag International brings precision agriculture and biocontrol events to Brazil in August 2019
InfoAg International Conference & Exhibition is a three-day event jointly organised with the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI), and will take place in Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil, 28-30th August 2019.
To read the full press release click here
The European Cocoa Forum: Addressing transformation opportunities of new technologies in the cocoa market
How is new technology influencing trading and price behaviour in cocoa and what's its impact on price volatility? Which opportunities and challenges are emerging for the application of blockchain?
Attend the 7th European Cocoa Forum - 17-19th September, 2019 - and have these questions answered by a specialist panel.
To receive a 10% delegate discount when registering for the event, use code BDSECAFORUM2019
Use code ECA20 to receive 20% off at checkout when you purchase Achieving sustainable cultivation of cocoa
Read an outline of the second panel here
7th Edition of the European Cocoa Forum
Where is the cocoa industry on climate change? What are the new challenges for cocoa growing? Attend the 7th Edition of the European Cocoa Forum, Lisbon, Portugal, together with the key players in the cocoa sector to learn more and play a leading part in the debate.
To receive a 10% delegate discount when registering for the event, use code BDSECAFORUM2019
Use code ECA20 to receive 20% off at checkout when you purchase Achieving sustainable cultivation of cocoa
Read an outline of the first panel here
Use of robotics in agriculture will increase sustainability
With an increasing demand to feed the world's growing population, coupled with a shortage of available labour, the agricultural sector have turned to technology to decrease workload and improve sustainability.
Plant proteins to replace animal proteins in piglet and broiler feed?
With animal protein sources slowly disappearing, farmers are turning towards the implementation of plant-based proteins as a cheaper and safer alternative.
The Rise of the Sweet Potato Crop
Sweet potato is a regular feature on the dinner plate, but behind this crop is a marvellous success story.
Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad Discusses Moving Towards Malaysia Dairy Market to Capture Next Growth Wave
Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd is strengthening its lead in supplying milk to households by expanding the business into distributing milk to Malaysian hotels, restaurants and caterers (HoReCa) market.
China's hog output predicted to decline by 20% in 2019
According to a recent report published by The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), China's hog industry is forecasted to lose over 134 million hogs to African Swine Fever (ASF).
News archive
Book Review: Critical issues in plant health: 50 years of research in African agriculture
"With concerns about climate change, loss of biodiversity and the need to feed an ever-growing human population, the book provides a valuable reference on the need to develop IPM giving greater emphasis to the environment." Emeritus Professor Graham Matthews, International Pest Control, Imperial College, London, UK
Irish potatoes claimed to have prevented another humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia
Concern Worldwide introduced the potato in 2007 to the northern highland regions of Ethiopia - a region prone to intense droughts. Whereas other crops have failed to grow, the potato continues to thrive and has even been credited with the fall in food shortages and improving the local economy.
Imported Indonesian palm oil used for biofuel is often not sustainable
Nima Khasanah of Wageningen University, The Netherlands has made the resounding claim after concluding her research study on the carbon balance of 20 oil palm plantations in Indonesia. A mere 25% of the plantations met the current EU requirements.
Malaysian Dairy Corporation Case Study: Smart Logistics Solutions to Reduce Supply Chain Cost and Time
The average consumer is far removed from agriculture and disconnected from the activities that occur on a dairy. This disconnect creates a greater need for transparency in order to establish confidence in how food is produced. For the dairy industry, these evolving demand drivers will affect supply chains in different ways.
Dairy supply chains are adapting in order to meet consumer demands for increased transparency about farm production practices. However, the entire industry will be forced to walk a fine line to meet these demands in an environment in which cost reduction and efficiency are a constant focus.
As a result, 5th Global Dairy Congress Asia 2019 (May 16-17, 2019 | Jakarta, Indonesia) will set a session to discuss Milk Quality and Supply Chain Special Focus. MR. Dato' Paduka Hamie Appala Nakkiah, Managing Director of MADAC (Malaysian Dairy Corporation) will deliver a keynote speech about the Case Study: Smart Logistics Solutions to Reduce Supply Chain Cost and Time. Grasp your opportunity to join in 5th Global Dairy Congress Asia 2019 (May 16-17, 2019 | Jakarta, Indonesia) and learn innovative strategy.
Genetic breakthrough on tropical grass could help develop climate-friendly cattle farms
The discovery of genes responsible for asexual reproduction in a tropical grass has the potential to reduce the negative impacts associated with cattle farming.
Lab-grown meat could be on UK shelves within 5 years
The UK is leading efforts to develop lab-grown meat which could be on supermarket shelves within five years, researchers at the University of Bath say.
Scientists warn disease threatens some of Scotland’s favourite potatoes
Scotland’s favourite potatoes are under threat as experts warn Maris Piper and King Edward potatoes could soon be impossible to grow.
As sugar demand falls, gene editing could ‘reinvent’ sugarcane as green energy
Sugar has long been a source of energy for people, but now scientists believe they are close to unlocking its DNA secrets and harnessing its potential as a green fuel.
Disappearing rice fields threaten more global warming
All over China, a huge change has been taking place without any of us noticing. Rice paddies have been (and are being) converted at an astonishing rate into aquaculture ponds to produce more protein for the worlds growing populations. This change risks creating an unexpected impact on global warming.
Rapid gene cloning technique to transform crop disease protection
Researchers have pioneered a new method which allows them to rapidly recruit disease resistance genes from wild plants and transfer them into domestic crops.
Virus lurking inside banana genome has been destroyed with CRISPR
An Australian team has already genetically engineered the Cavendish banana variety to make it resistant by adding a gene from a wild banana.
ASF: impact on Chinese meat consumption
AHDB Pork established that the volume of pig meat that could relatively easily be shipped to China falls short of the supply gap likely to open up this year. The organisation is now discussing how Chinese consumption of pork and other meats may be affected as a result.
£1m study into dairy herd lameness
Scottish researchers are leading a £1 million study to find out the causes of lameness in dairy cows.
The three-year study will be led by Scotland’s Rural College, SRUC, working with Liverpool University and the Royal Veterinary College in London.
New title featured in PrecisionAg.com
Dr Paul Miller's study, “Spray technologies in precision agriculture,” has been featured in PrecisionAg.com
Dr. Miller's study is in our recently released title, 'Precision Agriculture for Sustainability', which is edited by Dr John Stafford.
Gene editing could create spicy tomatoes, say researchers
Spicy tomatoes could soon be on the menu thanks to the rise of genome-editing technology, say researchers.
Rice plants that grow as clones from seed
Plant biologists at the University of California, Davis have discovered a way to make crop plants replicate through seeds as clones.
Our title, 'Achieving sustainable cultivation of bananas', has been featured in an article in Fresh Plaza.
The article interviews contributing author, Frits Popma, discussing his expertise and the chapter he wrote for our book.
Researchers developing potatoes resistant to disease and climate change
Scientists from the International Potato Center (CIP) are using wild potatoes to develop climate-resilient varieties. These potatoes are tolerant to heat and drought and resistant to late blight and bacterial wilt, the most important diseases of the tuber.
Scientists use gene editing to save cocoa plants
With the effects of climate change and cocoa’s susceptibility to diseases, a world without chocolate could become a reality unless measures are taken now, according to scientists at the University of California.
New egg centre opens combining production and research
The first centre of its kind has been opened in the United Kingdom, combining commercial egg production with research and education.
Key gene find could enable development of disease-resistant crops
Discovery of a gene that helps plants control their response to disease could aid efforts to develop crops that are resistant to infection, research suggests.
Virus-resistant pigs to vastly improve global animal health
Researchers at the University of Missouri have successfully produced a litter of pigs that are genetically resistant to a deadly porcine virus.
Antibiotic-free treatment of dairy cows underway
Researchers at PanaMast are developing breakthrough technology for the dairy industry that's effective against all tested bacteria.
Pioneering biologists create a new crop through genome editing
For the first time, researchers from Brazil, the U.S. and Germany have created a new crop from a wild plant within a single generation using CRISPR-Cas9, a modern genome editing process.
Gene-tinkering improves maize yield
Australian and US scientists have found a way to increase maize productivity by targeting the enzyme behind photosynthesis.
Mango peel could help clean up oil contamination, research finds
University of South Australia researcher Biruck Desalegn Yirsaw has proven an extract of the fruit’s peel can be used to “synthesise” the material that can break down contaminated soil.
Blue-green algae promises to boost food crop yields
Scientists at ANU have engineered tiny carbon-capturing engines from blue-green algae into plants, in a breakthrough that promises to help boost the yields of important food crops such as wheat, cowpeas and cassava.
Scientists develop way of saving Britain's disappearing chalk grasslands
A three-year experiment by ecologists on Salisbury Plain, home of Britain's iconic Stonehenge, has found a new method of saving Britain's iconic grasslands from disappearing.
Pests to eat more crops in warmer world
Researchers at the University of Washington have predicted that insects will be at the heart of worldwide crop losses as the climate warms up.
Agriculture gearing up for 'fourth industrial revolution'
The agricultural industry is gearing up for the "fourth industrial revolution", where machines will be replacing humans in "thinking" as well as "doing" roles.
Scientists identify TR4-resistant bananas
Scientists at Wageningen University & Research have revealed they are closer than ever to developing fruit that is immune to TR4, a strain of the fungal disease fusarium wilt.
There are many 'ifs,' but the discovery of corn that fertilizes itself could transform agriculture
A group of researchers in the USA believe a variety of corn grown in South Mexico could ultimately transform the way the largest crop in America and the world is grown.
China steps up surveillance after African swine fever outbreaks
The Chinese authorities are undertaking a major surveillance programme following the confirmation of two African swine fever (ASF) cases in different parts of the country.
The wheat code is finally cracked
Today in the international journal Science, the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) published a detailed description of the genome of bread wheat, the world's most widely cultivated crop.
Smart farms powered by new technologies to boost global dairy output
The application of new technology has transformed dairy farms into smart farms, giving the dairy sector a much needed boost.
Key gene to accelerate sugarcane growth is identified
Researchers have developed a sugarcane line with the ScGAI gene expression silenced. The modification resulted in an adequate phenotype for use in 2G ethanol production, featuring a bigger culm and more biomass.
Newcastle Disease threat raised to ‘medium’
Government officials have raised the risk level for Newcastle Disease in the UK to ‘medium’ following more confirmed cases of the virus on the European continent.
Robotics project set to develop autonomous systems for soft fruit sector
A "trailblazing" agri-robotics project is set to develop advanced autonomous systems to support the production of soft fruit in the UK.
Read the full story here
Researchers discover natural product that could lead to new class of commercial herbicide
A team of UCLA engineers and scientists discovered a new and potentially highly effective type of weed killer, a finding which could lead to the first new class of commercial herbicides in more than 30 years.
The highly complex sugarcane genome has finally been sequenced
Sugarcane was the last major cultivated plant to have its genome sequenced. This was because of its huge complexity: The genome comprises between 10 and 12 copies of each chromosome, while the human genome has just two. It was an international team coordinated by CIRAD that achieved this milestone, as reported in Nature Communications on July 6.
Software helps cut Indian cows’ methane emissions
A software tool developed by India’s National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is helping balance the diets of 2.4 million heads of Indian cattle leading to increased milk output and reduced methane emissions, an international livestock conference heard.
Gene-edited farm animals are on their way
Scientists have created pigs that are immune to one of the world's costliest livestock diseases.
'First of its kind' programme to collaborate with farmers to improve soil health
Farmers will work with the wider supply chain to improve soil quality in river catchment areas around Yorkshire.
Whether wheat weathers heat waves
With the impact of climate change in mind, scientists in Australia are developing new models to better understand the impact of heat stress on wheat. This key problem is also addressed in our two-volume collection on wheat. Volume 1 discusses advances in breeding more drought and heat tolerant varieties, whilst Volume 2 reviews ways of improving water management and other aspects of cultivation.
New study to drive future direction of British sheep genetics
A new scoping study that will drive the future direction of genetic improvement in the British sheep industry has been announced.
IITA holds training on techniques for weed management in cassava
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) will be holding a two-day training on innovative technologies for weed management in cassava in July.
Smart farms that can feed chickens and detect bird flu
Smart farms that can maximise poultry production and even detect avian influenza without the use of human help are being developed in the Far East.
Plant scientists use big data to map stress responses in corn
Plant scientists at Iowa State University have completed a new study that describes the genetic pathways at work when corn plants respond to stress brought on by heat, a step that could lead to crops better capable of withstanding stress.
Growers warned spring cereals at high risk from key virus
Arable farmers across the UK are being warned that their spring cereal crops could be at high risk from barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) infection.
Burleigh Dodds reviewed on The Pig Site
We're very excited to see our second volume from our, 'Achieving sustainable production of pig meat' collection has been reviewed on The Pig Site!
Optimum shade for cocoa
As chocolate becomes ever more popular, demand for cocoa keeps rising. For production to keep up, agricultural practices have to become more sustainable. Researchers tested what shade trees can contribute to solving this problem.
Cassava breeding hasn't improved photosynthesis or yield potential
Cassava is a staple in the diet of more than one billion people across 105 countries, yet this "orphaned crop" has received little attention compared to popular crops like corn and soybeans. While advances in breeding have helped cassava withstand pests and diseases, cassava yields no more today than it did in 1963. Corn yields, by comparison, have more than doubled.
UK pig farms: 50% less antibiotic usage in 2 years
News has broken that the British pig industry has reduced antibiotic usage by 28% in 2017, bringing the total reduction in 2 years to more than 50%.
Multiple resistance genes found in commercially farmed chickens and in hospital
A team of investigators has isolated colistin-resistant Escherichia coli from a commercial poultry farm in China. Colistin is an antibiotic of last resort against certain bacteria.
Francis writes for LSE Impact Blog
Our Editorial Director, Francis Dodds, has written an article on the LSE Impact Blog this week.
In his piece he discusses the links between copyright and open access.
Cassava breeding hasn't improved photosynthesis or yield potential
University of Illinois researchers analyzed four cassava cultivars preferred by African farmers and found unimproved varieties photosynthesize better than varieties selected for improved pest and disease resistance.
Armyworm headed for Britain
A crop-destroying caterpillar that has devastated agriculture in Africa is poised to spread into southern Europe for the first time and could even reach Britain, experts are warning.
Burleigh Dodds awarded with Product Data Excellence Award
We're delighted to have been awarded with a BIC Excellence Plus accreditation!
Wheat genome mapped
As scientists and farmer seek ways to make crops more drought resistant, a breakthrough in the wheat genome offers new information.
We were delighted to receive this photo from Sarah Woods after she was awarded a copy of 'Achieving sustainable production of poultry meat, Volume 3'.
Sarah was awarded the book at the WPSA Spring Meeting for best student poster.
Congratulations Sarah!
First gene drive targeting worldwide crop pest
Biologists have created the world's first gene drive system - a mechanism for manipulating genetic inheritance - in Drosophila suzukii, an agricultural pest that has invaded much of the United States and caused millions of dollars in damage to high-value berry and other fruit crops.
Microbes in soil help sorghum stay strong against droughts
Bacteria that help sorghum survive drought could someday be used as probiotics for crops.
New report sheds light on how UK farming can meet the sustainability challenge
A new report urges farmers to meet the sustainability challenge by 'redesigning' their farming systems by utilising natural resources.
Experts warn of food crisis as armyworm attacks maize farms
Kenya could lose half of its maize crop and face a massive food crisis following an invasion of the Fall armyworm.
Study examines energy and nutrient digestibility in wheat co-products fed to growing pigs
With feed costs and the worldwide demand for meat growing, livestock producers are increasingly turning to co-products from the ethanol and human food industries. Research from the University of Illinois is helping to determine the feed value of wheat middlings and red dog, two co-products of the wheat milling process that can be included in diets fed to pigs and other livestock.
New soil management and fertiliser rules take effect
Farmers in England are reminded that rules were introduced on 2 April to tackle the problem of diffuse pollution and improve water quality.
New method to help growers identify best Gala apples
A new method to help UK growers identify the best Gala fruit to pick for long-term storage could deliver greater harvest efficiencies and lead to more product on shelf.
Breakthrough in battle against rice blast
Scientists have found a way to stop the spread of rice blast, a fungus that destroys up to 30% of the world's rice crop each year.
Wheat in heat: the 'crazy idea' that could combat food insecurity
After four years of trials, scientists have found a wheat variety that can grow quickly and survive in sub-Saharan heat.
Farmers 'de-intensify' dairy by launching 'The Ethical Dairy'
A dairy farming couple have launched 'The Ethical Dairy' in their bid to "de-intesify" the industry. Organic dairy farmers David and Wilma Finlay have spent a decade on their journey to find a "new approach" to dairying.
Kansas State University researchers make breakthrough in glyphosate resistance in pigweeds
Kansas State University researchers have discovered how weeds develop resistance to the popular herbicide glyphosate, a finding that could have broad future implications in agriculture and many other industries.
New seed potato markets in Africa
RWANDA and Uganda have been identified as two potential new export destinations for UK seed potatoes.
Burleigh Dodds win at IPG Awards
We're absolutely ecstatic to be the winner of the Nick Robinson Newcomer Award at this year's IPG Awards!
We're over the moon and were in great company with our fellow finalists Old Barn Books and Otter-Barry Books.
Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners this year.
New method to improve crops
Researchers have developed a new way to breed plants with better traits. By introducing a human protein into the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana, researchers found that they could selectively activate silenced genes already present within the plant.
Japanese scientists use egg whites for clean energy
Proteins taken from egg whites could be used in the future to improve the production of carbon free energy. Japanese scientists claim to have used the protein as a tool for producing hydrogen, a source of clean electricity.
Cracking the genetic code for complex traits in cattle
A massive global study involving 58,000 cattle has pinpointed the genes that influence the complex genetic trait of height in cattle, opening the door for researchers to use the same approach to map high-value traits including those important for beef and milk production.
Egypt to cultivate digital data from agricultural sector
A program that will provide electronic “smart cards” to Egypt’s farmers aims to eliminate administrative corruption within the Ministry of Agriculture, prevent its employees from tampering with paper documents and ensure that subsidies reach the proper recipients.
Burleigh Dodds featured in Cambridge News
BDS Publishing are delighted to be featured in the Cambridge News, where the launch of the Company is reported in the 'Movers & Shakers' coverage.
The Cambridge News is a daily newspaper that covers the county of Cambridgeshire and has a distribution of over 20,000 copies every day.
BDS Publishing featured in EADT
Our work to solve some of the worlds greatest challenges has been reported on in the East Anglian Daily Times.
The EADT is based in Ipswich in Suffolk and is distributed across the county as well as in Norfolk and Essex. It has a daily circulation of just under 30,000.
The EADT has a regular farming supplement which reported on the work of Burleigh Dodds and which is read by agricultural experts across the East of England.
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