PGRO will feature over 20 trial plots at Cereals 2025, focused on practical pulse crop solutions. Highlights include intercropping trials - like peas with oats or beans - to reduce disease spread and improve land use, plus comparisons of winter beans sown in spring at adjusted seed rates.

Growers can view managed vs. unmanaged fungicide plots to assess real-world impacts on disease resistance, and explore how higher seed rates can maintain winter bean performance when autumn planting is delayed.

Novel crops including winter peas, lupins, lentils, and BYDV-resistant lines will also be display. The DEFRA-funded NCS (Net Zero, Climate Smart) project, involving 17 partners and 200+ farmers, will be spotlighted. It examines how pulses can cut carbon emissions via intercropping, nutrition strategies, and pulse-based livestock feed. Early results from roasted beans show significantgains in protein digestibility, with the project already surpassing early targets.

The digital hub, Pulse PEP (led by ADAS), gives growers real-time research updates and opportunities to contribute insights. Partners will be at Cereals to discuss progress.

PGRO will also present the new ANSWERS initiative, a national bean nutrition study. While no trial plots are planned on site, researchers will be available at the stand.

PGRO’s Alek Ligeza invites grower feedback to shape future research: “Hearing what’s working, or not, is vital. It drives how we adapt, design trials, and return to the data.” PGRO members can also use the free plant clinic service for pest, disease, or establishment diagnostics.