The EMR Association is hosting a technical event on the morning of 10 December 2015, focusing on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and their potential to enhance productivity in commercial horticultural production.
Some of the UK’s top researchers in the field will provide an often sceptical industry with an improved understanding of AMF, their interactions with plants and their potential to boost production.
Speakers will outline the lessons that can be learned from their use within the agriculture sector and how organisations like EMR are making strides in researching their practical use for the fruit cropping environment, for example, for sustainable strawberry production or for growers facing irrigation restrictions.
Abuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a ‘partnership’ with plants that benefits the fungi and the host plant. The fungi help plants to capture nutrients like phosphorous, sulphur, nitrogen and micronutrients from soil. They also protect plants from infection by pathogens and buffer against adverse environmental stresses. Apart from their application in agriculture, AMF also have a function in ecosystem management and ecosystem restoration.
AMF occur across most ecosystems, but their levels are much decreased across intensive agricultural systems, mainly owing to soil tillage and increases in fertility.
The event will take place at The Orchards Conference Centre at East Malling Research and costs £15 for members of EMRA and £65 for non-members, including lunch.
Further information is available on the EMR website at www.emr.ac.uk or contact EMRA.ADMIN@emr.ac.uk to book a place.
Photo credit: East Malling Research