Host Resistance Research Group

The group is involved in the identification and genetic analysis of host resistance to pests and diseases of crop plants with a particular emphasis on field vegetables and has an interest in how host resistance can be deployed to provide a durable resistance phenotype in the field.

We have the expertise and facilities to develop assays for the phenotypic assessment of resistance to pests and diseases to identify sources of resistance and to provide robust data for genetic analysis.  We have carried out genetic analysis of resistance to insect pests and oomycete, virus and bacterial diseases  and identified  quantitative trait loci (QTL) and molecular markers that can be used for subsequent marker assisted breeding. Much of our work is carried out in collaboration with UK and international breeding companies. 

Support for the group is provided by specialised field and laboratory facilities and technical staff.

The core academic staff in the group are: