Crop production is affected by climate change and, in turn, can result in the release of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. In addition, crops need to be protected against pests and diseases. Our research explores methods to make crops more resilient e.g. by making use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. We also explore what factors limit plant productivity (e.g. the growth of grass during the winter). A new area of research is the use of smart technology to monitor plant health and control the supply of water and nutrients dependent on demand for more sustainable use.

• Dr. Barbara Doyle Prestwich: Biological control; microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs); soil microbiome; bacterial-based mobilisation of plant micronutrients (biofortification).
• Prof. Marcel Jansen: the circular economy and turning waste into a resource.
• Dr. Eoin Lettice: Biological control of plant pests; soil amendments; soil microbial biodiversity; organic and sustainable crop production systems.
• Prof. Astrid Wingler: Regulation of plant growth; in particular grass growth and grassland productivity.