Varietal, cultural and chemical wheat disease management forms the basis of Niab presence at the 2025 Cereals Event in Lincolnshire on 11^th and 12^th  June, with a mix of plots and advice to aid growers in decision-making on disease control.

With over 25 different crop species across 130 plots showcased on the Niab stand (no 1124), and its neighbouring Soil Hole exhibit (no 1106), the crop research organisation sets the standard for ‘plant science into practice’ at the 2025 Cereals Event on 11^th and 12^th June.

80 of those plots are dedicated to cereal agronomy topics, including fungicide programmes in winter wheat and winter barley, wheat variety blends and companion cropping options. Visitors can also catch-up with the latest pathogen diagnostic and disease surveillance tools being developed by Niab researchers for use by growers and agronomists.

“Appropriate variety selection and adjusting drill dates can lay a solid foundation in reducing the requirement for fungicide chemistry to prevent and eradicate disease in winter wheat. But as farmers and agronomists navigate the 2025 season, Niab supports them in making the best, evidence-based decisions using data from our independent trials evaluating both varieties and fungicides across the UK, with demonstrations on our stand at Cereals,” says regional agronomist and technical lead Andrew Watson.

The winter wheat variety demonstration plots is always be the top attraction on the Niab Cereals stand. This year there are 32 varieties either already established on the AHDB Recommended List or candidates, with differences in disease susceptibility between the varieties clearly evident on the untreated plots. Niab’s team of variety specialists and agronomists are available to talk and advise on, not only winter wheat, but variety choice options in all cereals, oilseeds and break crops.

“Our untreated winter wheat variety demo plots give growers a head start on their variety selection for next season, with differences in disease susceptibility between the varieties clearly evident this year. The demo is complemented by the variety blends feature, enabling visitors to assess whether bringing together the resistance profiles of several wheat varieties could potentially reduce disease, improve resilience and increase yield,” says Mr Watson.

Further agronomy exhibits assess nutrient management options for wheat and oats, looking at nitrogen use efficiency and alternative N sources, including biostimulants, biological and foliar nutrition products, to help reduce the need for soil applied nitrogen fertilisers.

And new for 2025, Niab will be showcasing some of the jobs and career options available in crop science for those joining the sector in the stand marquee. Posters will feature Niab staff talking about their role, qualifications, why they chose the job and their plans for the future. Roles include agronomists, seed analysts, technical managers, trials officers, soil specialists, pathologists and science communicators.

Niab CEO Professor Mario Caccamo says: “The Cereals Event is our annual opportunity to share the breadth and depth of our research work and expertise with growers and agronomists; demonstrating how they can and will be put into practice on farm and the economic and agronomic benefits in their use. From the variety advice that Niab is renowned for to the latest disease, weed and pest management options, via crop nutrition, soil management and a look at alternative crops as well as part of our regenerative agriculture exhibit on the Soil Hole. But we also give visitors a snapshot of how we translate fundamental scientific discoveries into practical farming innovations which can boost productivity while addressing climate and biodiversity challenges.”

ENDS

The Niab (no 1124) and Soil Hole (no 1106) stands at the Cereals Event are known for providing the latest technical advice and research in variety choice, independent agronomy, soil and rotation management, crop genetics and data science. The full list of exhibits planned for 2025 includes:

• variety demonstration plots - providing expert advice on winter wheat variety choice for 2025/26 with 32 established and new candidate varieties.
• advice on crop protection and nutrition including the latest information in new fungicide chemistry, new strategies and a comparison of wheat and barley fungicide programme options and a demonstration of wheat variety blends.
• the use of companion cropping options as an integrated crop management strategy, maximising production while minimising stress from climate induced and biotic stresses.
• nutrient management strategies in winter wheat and winter oats.
• weed management and herbicide programmes for wheat.
• regenerative agriculture research and information covering variety choice, nitrogen management, rotations, cultivations, tillage and soil management.
• as part of the Centre for High Carbon Capture Cropping (CHCx3) platform a look at some of the UK’s under-utilised or novel crops that may feature on farm in the future in response to our need for a more resilient agricultural system, e.g. herbal grazing ley mixtures alongside triticale, flax, quinoa, buckwheat, and hybrid barley and rye.
• uncovering the benefits of protein crops, including lupins, peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas and soya;
• showcasing research into the genetic control of yield, yield components, disease resistance and quality traits in cereal crops using new plant breeding tools and technologies to help shape the future of our crops.
• Niab Agronomy Membership services including the latest crop production advice and farmer-led research, field days, agronomy trials results, unique regional variety information and weekly agronomy updates through the season.
• Careers in crop science – a showcase of different jobs and careers available at Niab and across the sector with individual case studies of Niab staff, from agronomists.
• Meet the products and services offered by Niab in our marquee including:
  • Niab Analytical Services with tests and packages covering seed pathology, quality testing, seed testing and plant clinic for farmers and growers
  • Extensive and successful independent field and glasshouse trialling services plus demonstrations of some of the field trials equipment on the Soil Hole Stand
  • Niab Training courses across a wide range of crops, covering technical agronomy, crop inspection, seed sampling, grain variety identification, seed analysis and seed certification administration.