Our Impact
Warwick Crop Centre plays a vital role in improving global food security through innovative research in crop production, protection, and sustainability.
Our work supports the development of resilient cropping systems, sustainable pest and disease management, and improved soil health, helping farmers adapt to environmental challenges and ensure a reliable supply of safe, nutritious food.
By linking science with real-world practice, we contribute to a more sustainable and secure food future.
Integrated Pest Management
For over two decades, Professor Rosemary Collier and Dr David Chandler have led pioneering research in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to help UK vegetable and salad growers control pests in more ecological and economically sustainable ways.
Their work has enabled the horticultural sector to reduce reliance on conventional pesticides, support biodiversity, and maintain crop yield and quality, directly shaping commercial best practice in fresh produce production.
Their research continues to help the UK horticultural industry meet the challenges of pest resistance, pesticide reduction, and environmental sustainability, ensuring resilient and high-quality food production for the future.
Facilitating the commercialisation and authorisation of biocontrol agents and supporting emergency-use approvals for new-generation pesticides
Developing national pest monitoring and forecasting systems, now available as online decision-support tools for growers.
Demonstrating the effectiveness of physical control, such as fine-mesh netting, for high-value crops
Providing knowledge and exchange through articles, talks, and demonstrations that improve on-farm adoption of IPM
Genetic Diversity of Vegetable Crops
Research at the Warwick Crop Centre is transforming global vegetable breeding by advancing understanding of genetic diversity and developing innovative tools for disease resistance and crop improvement.
Through the UK Vegetable Gene Bank (UKVGB) and collaborations with the Vegetable Genetic Improvement Network (VeGIN), Warwick Crop Centre's scientists have made vital genetic resources for crops such as brassicas, onions, carrots, parsnips, lettuce, and rocket accessible to plant breeders worldwide. Over 40 international seed companies have benefitted from these resources and technologies.
This research has accelerated breeding programmes at major global seed companies Limagrain, Elsoms Seeds, BASF, Hazera, and Syngenta, leading to new, more resilient crop varieties. By combining genetic science with industry collaboration, Warwick Crop Centre's work continues to strengthen food security, reduce crop losses, and open new market opportunities for sustainable agriculture worldwide.
Development of the Brassica 52k SNP Illumina bead chip, now used globally to investigate crop genetic variability.
Discovery and mapping of resistance genes against major crop diseases, including Turnip mosaic virus, Fusarium basal rot in onions, Puccinia porri in leeks, and parsnip canker.
Creation of molecular markers and diagnostic tools that enable faster, more precise breeding for disease-resistant and higher-quality crops.
Genetic insights into bolting resistance in rocket and lettuce, helping improve crop reliability and reduce losses.