Rothamsted Research is spotlighting a powerful blend of agricultural heritage and genetic innovation, demonstrating how landrace varieties and modern gene-editing technologies are shaping the future of resilient farming.

Leading the charge is the historic Watkins collection of wheat landraces, assembled in the 1930s and now held by the John Innes Centre. “We’ve only explored about 40% of the genetic diversity in these lines,” says James Clarke, director of communications at Rothamsted Research. “They’re an untapped resource with immense potential, particularly for breeding climate-resilient wheat varieties that can withstand heat and drought.”

New technologies are accelerating the breeding timeline. "We’re monitoring wheat growth 24/7 and using advanced tools like gene editing to zero in on useful traits faster than ever," he explains. "Given the pace of climate change, we can’t afford to wait; we need these new varieties in farmers’ fields as soon as possible."

Among the innovations on display are low acrylamide wheat, designed to reduce asparagine, a compound that becomes the potential carcinogen acrylamide when cooked, and high-lipid barley, which boosts nutritional value in animal feed while reducing methane emissions. “These innovations address both food safety and environmental impact - key concerns for food processors and livestock farmers alike,” notes Mr Clarke.

Beyond crops, Rothamsted is showcasing pest control strategies using semiochemicals, harnessing plant-emitted scents to influence insect behaviour. “We’re decoding the volatile organic compounds that attract or repel pests,” Mr Clarke explains. “It’s an elegant approach to pest management with huge potential for sustainable farming.”

Also featured is real-time fungal spore detection technology, delivering on-the-spot diagnostics to improve crop health and productivity.