Katherine Steele is a Reader in Sustainable Crop Production in the School of Environment and Natural Sciences. She gained a PhD in Molecular Plant Pathology at the University of Nottingham in 1998. Previously, she was a Research Officer in Bangor Universiy's Centre for Arid Zone Studies (1998-2006). She has applied marker-assised breeding to develop new varieties of rice and tomatoes now grown India and Europe.

Responsibilities within Bangor University

Director of Impact, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences (SENS)

Member of SENS Management Committee, SENS REsearch Committee, CoSE Impact Committee, Henfaes Research Centre Committee

Member of SENS Research Groups:

Agriculture, Food and the Environment

Evolution, Development and Molecular Biology

Microbiology and Biotechnology

Tel: 01248 388655 (from U.K.)  +44 1248 388655 (International)

• Profesiynol: Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education
  2006
• PhD: Molecular Plant Pathology
  University of Nottingham, 1998
• MSc: Applied Genetics
  School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, 1994
• BSc: Biology
  University of Nottingham, 1993

Teaching

Module organiser for:

DXX3701 (Dissertation)

DXX2021 (Plant Diversity and Conservation)

Contribute to modules including DXX1001, DXX2000, BNS2002,

Current Postgraduate Research supervised

• Mahnoor Akbar - Commonwealth Scholar   Potential use of iron oxide nanoparticles to combat potato pathogens.
• Elsie Olatunji - Analysis of tomato early blight caused by  Alternaria species.
• Tim Beard - KESS 2 (With Sarvari Research Trust) Tomato early blight - identification of genetic sources of resistance to Alternaria solani
• I also supervise projects for taught masters students

Recent PhD research projects supervised 

• Kamran Yaqoob - Commonwealth Scholar  Identification of Genetic Variations of Wx Alleles for Diversified Starch Composition and Glycemic Index of Pakistani Rice Cultivars
• Beverly Agesa - AHDB Screening and performance of phosphorus efficient cereal cultivars for future food security 
• Anastasia Atucha Zamkova –KESS (With Maelor Forest Nursery) Identifying molecular markers for frost tolerance in Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

• Simon White - KESS (With Sarvari Research Trust) Breeding strategies to improve blight resistance in Sarpo potatoes

WILLING TO SUPERVISE PROJECTS IN THE FOLLOWING GENERAL AREAS:

Crop genetics – with emphasis on rice, barley, tomato, potato and the genetic and environmental effects on their abiotic and biotic stress resistance. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, functional foods; sustainable food, fuel and fibre production and plant pathology. Projects involving molecular markers, genomics, field or glasshouse experiments and participatory methods/citizen science will be considered. Enquiries welcome.

My research uses genetics and genomics tools to address global food secuirty issues. I work in partnership with growers, breeders and industry and use genetic diversity to inform trait improvement in economically important species. A current project Transformative Reduced Input Potatoes - TRIP - includes Dyson Farming Ltd., The James Hutton Institute, Emerald Research, Light Science Technologies, The Sarvari Research Trust. 

2024

• E-gyhoeddi cyn argraffuThousands of trait-specific KASP markers designed for diverse breeding applications in rice (Oryza sativa)
  Steele, K., Quinton-Tulloch, M., Vyas, D. & Witcombe, J., 1 Tach 2024, (E-gyhoeddi cyn argraffu) Yn: G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2023

• CyhoeddwydKASP mapping of QTLs for yield components using a RIL population in Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)
  Ashfaq, H., Rani, R., Perveen, N., Babar, A. D., Maqsood, U., Steele, K. & Arif, M., Gorff 2023, Yn: Euphytica. 219, 7, 79.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2022

• CyhoeddwydBasmati rice: the new authenticity rules aiming to remove sub-standard varieties from the market
  Steele, K., 29 Rhag 2022, The Conversation.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyhoeddiad arbenigol › Erthygl

2021

• CyhoeddwydDeveloping KASP Markers for Identification of Basmati Rice Varieties
  Steele, K., Quinton-Tulloch, M., Burns, M. & Nader, W., Ebr 2021, Yn: Food Analytical Methods. 14, 4, t. 663-673 11 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydKASP™ based markers reveal a population sub-structure in temperate rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm and local landraces grown in the Kashmir valley, north-western Himalayas
  Shikari, A. B., Najeeb, S., Khan, G., Mohidin, F. A., Shah, A. H., Nehvi, F. A., Wani, S. A., Bhat, N. A., Waza, S. A., Subba Roa, L. V., Steele, K. & Witcombe, J., Maw 2021, Yn: Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 68, 3, t. 821–834
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydMethods for Measuring Frost Tolerance of Conifers: A Systematic Map
  Atucha Zamkova, A.-A., Steele, K. & Smith, A., 16 Awst 2021, Yn: Forests.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydModelling the impact of climate change on the occurrence of frost damage in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) in Great Britain
  Atucha Zamkova, A.-A., Steele, K. & Smith, A., Rhag 2021, Yn: Forestry. 94, 5, t. 664-676 13 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydSNPs, InDels, and Microsatellites within and near to Rice NBS-LRR Resistance Gene Candidates
  Steele, K. & Quinton-Tulloch, M., 13 Tach 2021, Yn: Agronomy. 11, 11, 20 t., 2297.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2020

• CyhoeddwydIn silico analysis of the fragrance gene (badh2) in Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm and validation of allele specific markers
  Withana, W. V. E., Kularathna, R. M. R. E., Kottearachchi, N. S., Kekulandra, D. S., Weerasena, J. & Steele, K., Ebr 2020, Yn: Plant Genetic Resources. 18, 2, t. 71-80
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2019

• CyhoeddwydA high-density genetic map and molecular sex-typing assay for gerbils
  Brekke, T., Mulley, J., Steele, K., Denver, M., Thom, A. & Supriya, S., Ebr 2019, Yn: Mammalian Genome. 30, 3-4, t. 63-70 8 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydIdentification of Kompetitive Alelle Specific PCR (KASP) Assays to Authenticate Basmati - FA0172
  Steele, K., 2019, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. 27 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Llyfr/Adroddiad › Adroddiad Comisiwn
• CyhoeddwydQTL mapping in salad tomatoes
  Brekke, T. D., Stroud, J. A., Shaw, D. S., Crawford, S. & Steele, K. A., Gorff 2019, Yn: Euphytica. 215, 7, 115.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydThe authenticity of Basmati rice-a case study
  Woolfe, M. & Steele, K., 11 Medi 2019, DNA Techniques to Verify Food Authenticity: Applications in Food Fraud (Food Chemistry, Function and Analysis) . Burns, M., Foster, L. & Walker, M. (gol.). Royal Society of Chemistry
  Allbwn ymchwil: Pennod mewn Llyfr/Adroddiad/Trafodion Cynhadledd › Pennod

2018

• CyhoeddwydAccelerating public sector rice breeding with high-density KASP markers derived from whole genome sequencing of indica rice
  Steele, K., Quinton-Tulloch, M., Amgai, R. B., Dhakal, R., Khatiwada, S. P., Vyas, D., Heine, M. & Witcombe, J., Ebr 2018, Yn: Molecular Breeding. 38, 38.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydInbred or Outbred? Genetic Diversity in Laboratory Rodent Colonies
  Brekke, T., Steele, K. & Mulley, J., 1 Chwef 2018, Yn: G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics. 8, 2, t. 679-686
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2015

• CyhoeddwydSSR assessment of Phytophthora infestans populations on tomato and potato in British gardens demonstrates high diversity but no evidence for host specialisation
  Stroud, J. A., Shaw, D. S., Hale, M. D. & Steele, K. A., 4 Meh 2015, Yn: Plant Pathology. 65, 2, t. 334-341
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2013

• CyhoeddwydBreeding low-glycemic index barley for functional food
  Steele, K., Dickin, E., Keerio, M. D., Samad, S., Kambona, C., Brook, R., Thomas, W. & Frost, G., 31 Rhag 2013, Yn: Field Crops Research. 154, December, t. 31-39 9 t.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydQTLs associated with root traits increase yield in upland rice when transferred through marker-assisted selection
  Steele, K. A., Price, A. H., Witcombe, J. R., Shrestha, R., Singh, B. N., Gibbons, J. M. & Virk, D. S., 1 Ion 2013, Yn: Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 126, 1, t. 101-108
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydReliability of ion accumulation and growth components for selecting salt tolerant lines in large populations of rice
  Ul Haq, T., Akhtar, J., Steele, K. A., Munns, R. & Gorham, J., 3 Rhag 2013, Yn: Functional Plant Biology. 41, 4, t. 379-390
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2012

• CyhoeddwydAgronomic diversity of naked barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): a potential resource for breeding new food barley for Europe
  Dickin, E., Steele, K., Edwards-Jones, G. & Wright, D., 1 Maw 2012, Yn: Euphytica. 184, 1, t. 85-99
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydMorphological and AFLP diversity in Thaumatococcus daniellii, the source of the protein sweetener thaumatin
  Waliszewski, W. S., Sinclair, F. L. & Steele, K. A., Ion 2012, Yn: Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 59, 1, t. 151-161
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2011

• CyhoeddwydDynamic quantitative trait loci for salt stress components on chromosome 1 of rice.
  Ul Haq, T., Gorham, J., Akhtar, J., Akhtar, N. & Steele, K. A., 1 Ion 2011, Yn: Functional Plant Biology. 37, 7, t. 634-645
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydEffect of genotype, environment and agronomic management on β-glucan concentration of naked barley grain intended for health food use.
  Dickin, E., Steele, K., Frost, G., Edwards-Jones, G. & Wright, D., 21 Maw 2011, Yn: Journal of Cereal Science.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2009

• CyhoeddwydHas the introduction of modern rice varieties changed rice genetic diversity in a high-altitude region of Nepal?
  Steele, K. A., Gyawali, S., Joshi, K. D., Shrestha, P., Sthapit, B. R. & Witcombe, J. R., 10 Gorff 2009, Yn: Field Crops Research. 113, 1, t. 24-30
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2008

• CyhoeddwydBasmati Rice Authentication using DNA markers.
  Steele, K. A., 20 Chwef 2008.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Papur
• CyhoeddwydBreeding for abiotic stresses for sustainable agriculture
  Witcombe, J. R., Hollington, P. A., Howarth, C. J., Reader, S. & Steele, K. A., 27 Chwef 2008, Yn: Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 363, 1492, t. 703-716
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydEvidence from near-isogenic lines that root penetration increases with root diameter and bending stiffness in rice.
  Clark, L. J., Price, A. H., Steele, K. A. & Whalley, W. R., 28 Tach 2008, Yn: Functional Plant Biology. 35, 11, t. 1163-1171
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydInDel markers distinguish Basmatis from other fragrant rice varieties.
  Steele, K. A., Ogden, R., McEwing, R., Briggs, H. & Gorham, J., 2 Ion 2008, Yn: Field Crops Research. 105, 1-2, t. 81-87
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydParticipatory breeding for drought and salt tolerant crops
  Hollington, P. A., Steele, K. A., Jenks, M. A. (Golygydd), Hasegawa, P. M. (Golygydd) & Mohan Jain, S. (Golygydd), 1 Ion 2008, Advances in Molecular Breeding Towards Salinity and Drought Tolerant Crops. 2007 gol. Springer, Dordrecht, Netherlands, t. 455-478
  Allbwn ymchwil: Pennod mewn Llyfr/Adroddiad/Trafodion Cynhadledd › Pennod

2007

• CyhoeddwydField evaluation of upland rice lines selected for QTLs controlling root traits.
  Steele, K. A., Virk, D. S., Kumar, R., Prasad, S. C. & Witcombe, J. R., 5 Maw 2007, Yn: Field Crops Research. 101, 2, t. 180-186
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydMass and line selection can produce equally uniform rice varieties
  Virk, D. S., Steele, K. A. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Chwef 2007, Yn: Field Crops Research. 100, 2-3, t. 341-347
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydReport on the ring trial of the quantitative determination of non-basmati rice varieties in a mixture with Basmati rice varieties.
  Steele, K. A., 1 Ion 2007, 2007 gol. Unknown.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Llyfr/Adroddiad › Adroddiad Comisiwn

2006

• CyhoeddwydDNA markers for screening of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for salt tolerance
  Khan, A. S., Shahzad, A., Amin, A. Y., Steele, K. A., Hollington, P. A., Akhtar, J., Quresih, R. H. & Quarrie, S. A., 1 Rhag 2006.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Papur
• CyhoeddwydMapping morpho-physiological characters on wheat chromosomes using QTL approach under salt stress
  Khan, A. S., Shahzad, A., Amin, A. Y., Steele, K. A., Hollington, P. A., Wyn Jones, R. G., Gorham, J. & Quarrie, S. A., 1 Rhag 2006.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Papur
• CyhoeddwydMarker assisted selection for participatory plant breeding in rice
  Steele, K. A., Virk, D. S. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Ion 2006, 2006 gol. Centre for Arid Zone Studies.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Llyfr/Adroddiad › Adroddiad Comisiwn
• CyhoeddwydMarker-assisted selection to introgress QTLs controlling root traits into an Indian upland rice variety
  Steele, K. A., Price, A. H., Shashidhar, H. E. & Witcombe, J. R., 14 Medi 2006, Yn: Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 112, 2, t. 208-221
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydRice landrace diversity in Nepal: Variability of agro-morphological traits and SSR markers in landraces from a high-altitude site.
  Bajracharya, J., Steele, K. A., Jarvis, D. I., Sthapit, B. R. & Witcombe, J., 15 Chwef 2006, Yn: Field Crops Research. 95, 2-3, t. 327-335
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2005

• CyhoeddwydMarker-evaluated selection: Evaluating allele frequencies in rice selected under extreme environments to find agronomically important loci
  Steele, K. A. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Ion 2005.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Papur

2004

• CyhoeddwydMarker-assisted selection of four root QTL and aroma to improve Kalinga III: Evaluation of pyramid lines and advanced bulks from backcrossing
  Steele, K. A., Singh, D. N., Kumar, R., Prasad, S. C., Billore, M., Virk, D. S., Shashidhar, H. E. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Ion 2004.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Papur
• CyhoeddwydMarker-evaluated selection in rice: shifts in allele frequency among bulks selected in contrasting agricultural environments identify genomic regions of importance to rice adaptation and breeding.
  Steele, K. A., Edwards, G., Zhu, J. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Hyd 2004, Yn: Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 109, 6, t. 1247-1260
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2002

• CyhoeddwydAssessing the Feasibility of Using Marker Assisted Selection for Root Characteristics to Aid Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) in Upland Rice in India.
  Steele, K. A., 1 Ion 2002, 2002 gol. Centre for Arid Zone Studies.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Llyfr/Adroddiad › Adroddiad Comisiwn
• CyhoeddwydCombining PPB and marker-assisted selection: strategies and experiences with rice
  Steele, K. A., Virk, D. S., Prasad, S. C., Kumar, R., Singh, D. N., Gangwar, J. S. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Ion 2002.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Papur
• CyhoeddwydCombining molecular marker technology and participatory techniques: A case study for drought-tolerant rice in eastern India II: Farmer evaluation of SLS-MAS bulks in participatory plant breeding
  Steele, K. A., Singh, D. N., Kumar, R., Prasad, S. C., Virk, D. S., Gangwar, J. S. & Witcombe, J. R., 12 Maw 2002, t. 20-22.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Papur
• CyhoeddwydCombining molecular marker technology and participatory techniques: A case study for drought-tolerant rice in eastern India II: Molecular breeding strategy
  Steele, K. A., Edwards, G. & Witcombe, J. R., 12 Maw 2002, t. 16-19.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gynhadledd › Papur
• CyhoeddwydFeasibility of using marker-assisted selection for root characters.
  Steele, K. A., 1 Ion 2002, 2002 gol. Unknown.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Llyfr/Adroddiad › Adroddiad Comisiwn
• CyhoeddwydInnovative methods for rice breeding - combining participatory plant breeding (PPB) with molecular marker techniques
  Steele, K. A., Virk, D. S. & Witcombe, J. R., 1 Ion 2002, 2002 gol. Centre for Arid Zone Studies.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Llyfr/Adroddiad › Adroddiad Comisiwn
• CyhoeddwydRoot QTL mapping in upland rice.
  Price, A., Steele, K. A., Mullins, C., Cairns, J. & Audebert, A., 1 Ion 2002, 2002 gol. Unknown.
  Allbwn ymchwil: Llyfr/Adroddiad › Adroddiad Comisiwn
• CyhoeddwydUpland rice grown in soil-filled chambers and exposed to contrasting water-deficit regimes. I. Root distribution, water use and plant water status.
  Price, A. H., Steele, K. A., Gorham, J., Bridges, J. M., Moore, B. J., Evans, J. L., Richardson, P. & Jones, R. G., 1 Meh 2002, Yn: Field Crops Research. 76, 1, t. 11-24
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydUpland rice grown in soil-filled chambers and exposed to contrasting water-deficit regimes. II. Mapping quantitative trait loci for root morphology and distribution.
  Price, A. H., Steele, K. A., Moore, B. J. & Jones, R. G., 1 Meh 2002, Yn: Field Crops Research. 76, 1, t. 25-43
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2001

• CyhoeddwydSupport for a stepwise mutation model for pathogen evolution in Australian Puccinia striiformis f.sp. Tritici by use of molecular markers.
  Steele, K. A., Humphreys, E., Wellings, C. R. & Dickinson, M. J., 1 Ebr 2001, Yn: Plant Pathology. 50, 2, t. 174-180
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2000

• CyhoeddwydA combined RFLP and AFLP linkage map of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) used to identify QTLs for root-penetration ability.
  Price, A. H., Steele, K. A., Moore, B. J., Barraclough, P. P. & Clark, L. J., 1 Ion 2000, Yn: Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 100, 1, t. 49-56
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid
• CyhoeddwydVariation in RFLP markers associated with root growth in QTLs in Indian upland rice
  Steele, K. A., Moore, B. J., Witcombe, J. R., Virk, D. S. & Price, A. H., 1 Awst 2000, Yn: International Rice Research Notes. 25, 2, t. 16-17
  Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolyn › Erthygl › adolygiad gan gymheiriaid

2024

• Rice Association Symposium

  Joint presentation by Eurofins and Bangor University to Rice Industry representatives invited by UK Rice Association. Title of presentation: 25 years Basmati DNA authenticity testing; 20 years UK CoP for Basmati Rice

  17 Hyd 2024

  Gweithgaredd: Sgwrs wadd (Siaradwr)
• WIN Network workshop: Sustainable Food Cymru

  WIN Network: Sustainable Food Cymru Workshop at UWTSD

  10 Medi 2024 – 11 Medi 2024

  Cysylltau:

  • https://bridges.earth/projects/sustainable-food-cymru/1
  Gweithgaredd: Cymryd rhan mewn gweithdy, seminar, cwrs Academaidd (Siaradwr)
• UK Food Standards Agency: Food Authenticity Centres of Expertise Annual Meeting

  Attended to represent Centre of Expertise in Cereal Grains. Workshop included updates on policy from Defra and FSA and participation in a simulated food fraud incident to test the ‘CoE Framework for Response to Emergency Food Fraud Incident’

  24 Maw 2024

  Gweithgaredd: Cymryd rhan mewn gweithdy, seminar, cwrs Academaidd (Cyfranogwr)

2023

• Prifysgol Bangor (Sefydliad)

  Bangor University Knowledge Exchange Panel

  8 Rhag 2023

  Gweithgaredd: Aelodaeth o bwyllgor (Aelod)
• Testing to update the Basmati Code of Practice (2024)

  Contribution of Bangor University requested by the UK Rice Association to update Basmati Code of Practice

  29 Tach 2023 →

  Gweithgaredd: Ymgynghoriad (Ymgynghorydd)
• Ysgol Gwyddorau Amgylcheddol a Naturiol (Sefydliad)

  Research Committee

  31 Hyd 2023 →

  Gweithgaredd: Aelodaeth o bwyllgor (Aelod)
• LEAF Marque Standard Plant Health & Protection Working Group (Sefydliad allanol)

  LEAF Marque Standard Plant Health & Protection Working Group

  31 Awst 2023 – 31 Awst 2024

  Gweithgaredd: Aelodaeth o bwyllgor (Aelod)
• Welsh Agricultural Science Panel (Sefydliad allanol)

  Welsh Agricultural Science Panel

  28 Chwef 2023

  Gweithgaredd: Aelodaeth o bwyllgor (Aelod)
• Wales Plant Health Evidence and Advisory Group (Sefydliad allanol)

  31 Ion 2023

  Gweithgaredd: Aelodaeth o bwyllgor (Aelod)

2022

• BU-IIA Funded Project: A step towards sustainable farming and nutritional health - Metabolomic characterisation of low phytic acid barley

  Food production would be more sustainable if crops were more phosphorous-efficient. This would reduce fertilizer use and consequently nutrient leaching from farms and eutrophication of water bodies. Phosphate partitioning in the crop is a complex and little-understood trait. Prior research at Bangor has identified a unique set of barley lines that need less phosphate fertiliser than normal crops. They have lower levels of phytic acid (PA) stored in the grains but no significant yield penalty. By comparing their metabolite profiles with those of normal barley we can gain understanding of how lower PA influences both grain production and human nutritional value (reduced PA in the diet can aid gut absorption of iron). The metabolomics data produced from the project will feed into prototype machine learning and multi-omics network models being developed at Teeside University. This will lead to deeper knowledge of the mechanisms and biological processes involved. The goal is to broaden the scientific evidence base and work with relevant stakeholders to invest in low PA crop development. This could ultimately lead to more sustainable crops and wider availability of healthy wholegrains, benefiting not only economies and societies in the western world but also in developing countries.

  Funding awarded through the Bangor University Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £34,926

  1 Ebr 2022 – 31 Maw 2023

  Gweithgaredd: Arall (Cyfrannwr)

2020

• Agronomy (Cyfnodolyn)

  Editor

  5 Rhag 2020 →

  Gweithgaredd: Adolygu cyhoeddiadau cymheiriaid (Aelod o fwrdd golygyddol)
• Use of rice KASP markers in India, Pakistan, Nepal and UK

  Presentation of research done in Innovate UK funded research and Defra funded consultancy at Bangor University with national and international partners

  11 Tach 2020

  Cysylltau:

  • https://twitter.com/cpd_services/status/1458471565973200902
  • https://twitter.com/cpd_services/status/1460585963881644032
  Gweithgaredd: Sgwrs wadd (Siaradwr)
• Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (Cyfnodolyn)

  Guest Associate Editor in Crop Biology and Sustainability

  15 Medi 2020 – 10 Rhag 2022

  Gweithgaredd: Adolygu cyhoeddiadau cymheiriaid (Aelod o fwrdd golygyddol)

2017

• Ysgol Gwyddorau Amgylcheddol a Naturiol (Sefydliad)

  Henfaes Committee

  1 Ion 2017 →

  Gweithgaredd: Aelodaeth o bwyllgor (Aelod)

2016

• International Association for Cereal Science and Technology: Rice Working Group (Sefydliad allanol)

  Member of International Association for Cereal Science and Technology: Rice Working Group

  1 Awst 2016 – 31 Gorff 2026

  Gweithgaredd: Aelodaeth o bwyllgor (Aelod)

• TRIP-Transformative Reduced input Potatoes (Natural Sciences)

  01/03/2023 – 31/03/2026 (Wrthi'n gweithredu)

• KESS II Phd with Savari Research Trust BUK2169

  01/10/2019 – 31/03/2024 (Wedi gorffen)

  Disgrifiad

  Tomato early blight - identification of genetic sources of resistance to Alternaria species

  Disgrifiad Lleygwr

  Early blight (EB) is a devastating disease of tomato that is caused by fungal species of Altenaria. The incorporation of resistance to EB is now a major focus of tomato research at our partner company Burpee Europe because the disease has become problematic in Europe. This project uses an experimental approach to identify effective sources of resistance to EB.

• Identification of biological assays to authenticate Basmati rice varieties

  01/01/2019 – 30/09/2019 (Wedi gorffen)

• KASP genomic selection: improving farmers' livelihoods through better rice varieties

  01/08/2017 – 01/08/2022 (Wedi gorffen)

  Disgrifiad

  This project directly addresses the challenge of improved food security and livelihoods for international development. For about half a billion people in Asia, most of them poor, rice provides over 50% of the caloric supply so the size and stability of the rice harvest is crucial. The simplest way to increase yields is by the breeding of new rice varieties with greater resistance to diseases and pests and improved tolerance to stresses. To help in this breeding all Asian national rice breeding programmes use DNA markers. This project will develop LGC genomics' proprietary molecular technologies (called KASP) by providing thousands of new KASP markers. By the end of the project, KASP will become the marker of choice for rice breeders through greater choice of markers (available for any cross), reduced costs (allowing a three-fold increase in the size of the breeding programme) and increased speed and reliability. This will provide a revolution in rice breeding by making it possible to do genome-wide, selection instead of selecting for markers at a few target traits. A single improved rice variety can increase harvest value by millions of pounds a year so improved rice breeding methods in all Asian countries will have great impact on improved food security and improved farmers' livelihoods.

  Cysylltau:

  • Overview on Gateway to Research
  • https://blog.lgcgroup.com/tag/bangor-university/
  • Project website hosted by Project Manager

• KESS II PhD project with Maelor Forest Nurseries BUK2101

  01/02/2017 – 31/03/2024 (Wedi gorffen)

  Disgrifiad

  The objective is to develop selectable markers for frost tolerance in Sitka Spruce that will allow our industrial partner to breed resistant trees.

  Cysylltau:

  • PhD Student profile

• KESS II PhD project with Savari Research BUK267

  01/04/2016 – 01/08/2022 (Wedi gorffen)

  Disgrifiad

  Breeding strategies to improve blight resistance in Sarpo potatoes

• KASP technology to improve new rice varities and farmer livelihoods.

  01/05/2015 – 10/10/2020 (Wedi gorffen)

  Cysylltau:

  • Slides presented at Monogram 2017
  • https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=131781

• Towards national listing of novel functional food barley variety

  05/08/2014 – 31/05/2015 (Wedi gorffen)

  Cysylltau:

  • http://barley.bangor.ac.uk/index.php.en

• Resolving biological bottlenecks in macroalgal biofuel production (SuBBSea)

  31/07/2014 – 19/12/2017 (Wedi gorffen)

  Cysylltau:

  • https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=BB%2FK020552%2F1

• Training

  01/10/2009 – 30/09/2016 (Wedi gorffen)

  Disgrifiad

  Developing capacity for participatory and marker assisted plant breeding to mitigate low crop productivity and poor food security (CAPACITATE East Africa)

  A three year project funded by the European Union African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Science and Technology Transfer Programme

  Project Goal: Improvement in the capacity of crop research in East Africa to produce farmer-acceptable crop varieties and enhanced food security.

  Although the funding for this project has now ended the network is still continuing.

  Cysylltau:

  • CAPACITATE East Africa webpage
  • http://capacitate-ea.bangor.ac.uk/

Previously, I worked in Bangor Universiy's former Centre for Arid Zone Studies (CAZS) as a Research Officer and was PI on three rice research projects funded by the DFID Plant Sciences Research Programme (1998-2006).

I am a member of the UK Rice Research Consortium (UKRRC)