Crop Disease

At Warwick Crop Centre, School of Life Sciences, we conduct research on a wide variety of plant diseases with a particular focus on protected and outdoor vegetable crops. We have extensive expertise in different aspects of plant pathology, including pathogen biology, genetics and epidemiology, and is aimed at developing innovative and sustainable approaches to disease management.

Our research supports the development of practical solutions such as crop genetic improvement, disease forecasting tools and a range of biological control strategies. We employ a broad suite of molecular and conventional techniques, including next-generation sequencing, DNA-based diagnostics and modelling, which is complemented with extensive controlled environment, glasshouse and field facilities, including dedicated quarantine areas for the study of soilborne diseases.

The scope of our work covers the full range from fundamental to applied studies, with funding from research councils (UKRI, BBSRC, NERC), government (Defra), Innovate UK and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). We work closely with industry partners, including many growers, breeding and crop protection companies, and actively collaborate with the wider crop and plant research community at both national and international levels.

Please contact john.clarkson@warwick.ac.uk for further information.