Crops Research
Department Objectives
To develop cost effective crop production systems that:
- Improve competitiveness, profitability and product quality
- Minimise impact on the environment
To develop molecular tools and breeding approaches that:
- Determine the genetic basis for key traits/characteristics of crops, weeds, pests and pathogens that impact on production
- Allow the incorporation of improved disease resistance and other traits in varieties targeted for Irish growing conditions
Department Structure
Head of Department
John Spink
Crop Agronomy & Sustainable Production
Break Crops – Sheila Alves
Agronomy – John Finnan and Richie Hackett
Mechanisation – Dermot Forristal
Pathology – Stephen Kildea
Entomology – Louise McNamara
Crop Improvement & Biotechnology
Biotechnology – Susanne Barth, Dan Milbourne and Ewan Mullins
Bioinformaticist – Stephen Byrne
Breeder – Denis Griffin
Department Activities
- Developing a new approach to crop improvement by sourcing and integrating improved genetics e.g. VICCI
- Monitoring the changing challenges caused by resistance development in pathogens weeds and pests
- Developing more robust cropping systems including rotations, cultivations, targeted nutrients and integrated pest management
Read more about the department Crops Research (PDF)