We address areas of plant and crop science and plant-microbe associations that are critical to crop production and quality. We have several internationally significant research groups, including in the areas of postharvest biology, mycology, and plant molecular genetics.
Our research falls into the following topics:
- Agroforestry - Dr Burgess
- Applied mycology: mycotoxins, biocontrol, ecophysiology - Professor Magan, Professor Angel Medina Vaya
- Crop water use - Professor Knox, Professor Thompson, Dr Burgess
- Grain development - Dr Kourmpetl
- Grain storage - Professor Magan, Professor Angel Medina Vaya
- Phyllosphere and rhizosphere microbiomes - Prof Jim Harris, Dr Pawlett
- Postharvest biology and technology for fresh produce - Prof Terry, Dr Alamar, Dr Kourmpetli, Dr Natalia Falagan, Dr Maria Anastasiadi
- Soil-root interactions - Prof Kirk, Prof Otten, Prof Thompson
- Plant molecular genetics - Prof. Thompson and Dr Kevei
Working with us
We have a flexible approach to meet the needs of our clients and will develop research proposals in close consultation with partners from industry and government. We also have an extensive portfolio of fundamental research funded by the Research Councils, underpinning and informing our applied work.
Our facilities
Our research, consultancy and training activities are underpinned by world-class facilities and service resources that are unique to Cranfield:
- Plant growth rooms, glasshouses
- Lemnatec overhead phenotyping platform housed in a glasshouse
- Plant science laboratory and controlled atmosphere storage rooms
- Metabolomics and analytical biochemistry laboratory
- Hosting Agri-tech Centres
Clients and partners
We work with a range of partner organisations, including:
- BBSRC
- NERC
- Innovate UK
- Various industry partners
