UK-BRAZIL COLLABORATION IN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH Rothamsted Research is the longest running agricultural research centre in the world, providing cutting-edge science and innovation for over 170 years.
Rothamsted Research State-of-the-art, world-class, scientific research: to deliver knowledge, innovation and new practices to increase agricultural productivity within sustainable systems. ‘Sustainable intensification’: increased productivity from less land with less water with less energy with less emissions ~600 people (35+ nationalities, 65 students); 270+ publications per year; Budget: ~ £35 million per year
Agricultural science with impact Improved soil management techniques and policy reforms that could reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in China by 60% by 2030. Omega-3 oils produced in plants Over 160,000 smallholders using Rothamsted companion cropping systems in Eastern Africa The world’s longest continuous experiment: 1843 to present day Discovery of numerous herbicides and insecticides Synthetic pyrethroids still account for more than 15% of pest control agents used worldwide.
Research Collaborations in Brazil Why we collaborate Strong UK-Brazil interactions in Industrial biotech and agriculture Strength in developing & applying agricultural innovation High-quality scientific partners BBSRC strategic investment What we work on Soy, Maize, Wheat, Rice, Bioenergy, Livestock Soil management & health Environmental sciences Crop protection Yield Nutrition & quality Embrapa Collaborations with 13 different institutes Universities Partnerships with 18 universities: vast majority in Sao Paulo State.
Support mechanisms for UK-Brazil collaboration Science without Borders: Brazilian scientific exchange scheme Embrapa: Labex at Rothamsted Research and IFR EU: although significant decline in Brazilian involvement in H2020 GCRF: hope for significant opportunities within ODA spend BBSRC: Partnering & Workshop awards BBSRC/ Embrapa: Research projects on wheat BBSRC/ Newton Fund: Centres for Agricultural Nitrogen and Sustainable Agriculture BBSRC/ FAPESP: biannual call for projects; 14 projects since 2010
BBSRC-FAPESP (UK - Brazil) grant 2013-2017 Defining the genetic and semiochemical basis of tick resistance in cattle André Sarria, Ph.D. Biointeractions and Crop Protection Rothamsted Research
Effects of Tick infestation in cattle Weight loss Decreased feed efficiency Anaemia Secondary infections Decreased milk production Mastitis Death
Methods for controlling Ticks Traditionally, pesticides have been the main pest control strategy, but this approach has several issues: High Cost; Environmental contamination; Resistance to insecticides. Apart from cost and logistical issues associated with treatment, in ticks for example the primary concern is the evolution acaricide resistance ticks, which occurs faster than development of new acaricides. Are we right to trust the safety and quality of milk and meat? New alternative methods are urgently required
Brazilian cattle breeds Holstein - Friesian Gir Nelores Girolandos
Tick resistance in Brazilian cattle Highly Susceptible Highly resistant Resistant Suscetible This is similar to how some of us are attractive to mosquitos and some of us are not. We seek to understand the genetics and semiochemistry underlying these traits
Chemical collection from Girolandos cattle
Chemical analysis Trace of chemical compounds produced by the skin Susceptible Holstein- Friesians Resistant Nelore
Conclusions and future work Resistance compounds identified and synthesised Prototype application of slow release repellent compound impregnated into a collar and tested on dogs showed reduction in tick infestation. Roslin institute have identified genetic traits underlying the resistance mechanism in Nelores cattle Next steps Field trials of repellent compounds and collars with cows Development of a commercial product, Introduction of genetic markers for resistance genes into cattle breeding programmes.
Thank you andre.sarria@rothamsted.ac.uk simon.vaughan@rothamsted.ac.uk
Global Food Security: Challenges Access to safe reliable, adequate and nutritious food Population rising; novel political and economic pressures; increasing competition for land, water and energy Decline in crop yield improvements Long-term production growth is threatened by water and fertilizer scarcity, new diseases and Climate Change Political instability directly linked to food production and prices.